9 Tips for Safe Driving in Heavy Rains in New Mexico

Monsoon Season in New Mexico

Monsoon season in New Mexico can be intense and lasts from June 15th to September 30th. It is marked by increased rainfall in summer months. The changing wind patterns bring extra moisture to the area, and that can lead to flash flooding and running water on the roads.

This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is seeing signs that there could be strong monsoon rains over this monsoon season in New Mexico. This article gives clear tips on how to stay safe when driving in heavy rains in New Mexico.

In The Article

Always Wear Your Seat Belt

Wearing your seatbelt is essential to staying safe when driving in any weather conditions. A vehicle going even 35 miles per hour and abruptly stopping can lead to serious injuries, if the driver and passengers are not properly secured with seat belts and car seats.

New Mexico law requires “all passengers in the front and back seats [to wear] a seatbelt.” Wearing your seat belt is essential to staying safe on wet roads while driving in heavy rains in New Mexico.

Inspect Your Car Before Leaving

Check Your Tires

Your tire tread helps your car’s tires grip to the road. If your tires are old or the tread is worn down, replacing your tires. Your tire pressure also matters. According to America’s Tire, “Improper air pressure can lead not only to premature treadwear but also keeps the tire from sufficiently displacing water, making it more likely to hydroplane.” Ensure that your tread and tire pressure are in good shape for monsoon season in New Mexico.

Make Sure Your Fluids Are Full

If you are unsure how to check your wiper fluids and oil, you can go to a mechanic or auto parts store in your area to ask them for help. Additionally, always drive with as close to a full take of gas as possible. If you are dealing with flash flooding, running out of gas while trying to get to higher ground can be fatal.

Plan Your Route

If you know of roads in your areas that are prone to flooding and running water, be sure to plan alternate routes to your destinations. Whether you’re trying to get to work, home, or to the grocery store, finding multiple routes can help ensure your safety when driving in heavy rains.

Remove All Distractions

Driving while distracted can be incredibly dangerous on dry roads in fair weather. When you add slick roads and heavy rain to the mix, you have a recipe for disaster. Remove all distractions before you even begin driving. A few ways to remove distractions include:

• Setting your cell phone to “Do Not Disturb”
• Having a playlist ready, so you don’t mess with the radio
• Ensuring all passengers are comfortable and ready for the ride
• Avoiding eating or drinking while driving

If you have a passenger in the front seat, have them ready to help younger passengers, change the controls for temperature and defrosters, and help you with any items that may fall or otherwise take your attention off the road.

Give Extra Time at Intersections

When driving in any adverse weather conditions, always be sure to give extra time at intersections. Rain can pull up oil and residue off the roads, which can make them extra slick. Additionally, it can be difficult for cars to stop; therefore, be sure to give a little extra time at intersections. When the light turns green, look left, right, and at the oncoming turn lanes to ensure all cars were able to stop before entering the intersection. This one- to two-second pause can save your life.

Allow Yourself More Time to Stop

Speaking of wet, slick roads, it’s essential to be aware that the roads may be more slippery than they appear in heavy rains. Give yourself more time and space to stop. Being slowing down by taking your foot off the pedal, and gently press the brake pedal, adding pressure to increase your ability to stop. If you begin to hydroplane, take your foot off the brake pedal and carefully and gently correct your course to stay on the road. Don’t make sharp movements that can cause the car to spin out or fishtail.

Don’t Drive Too Fast for Conditions

Just because the speed limit is 35 MPH doesn’t mean that you should be driving 35 MPH in heavy rains. Driving too fast for conditions means to driving at an unsafe speed based on the road and weather conditions. So, if the rain comes with fog or a mist that reduces your line of sight, be sure to slow down and travel at a speed at which you know you can stop if you see something in the road or an intersection is coming up.

Attempt to Avoid Puddles

You may think it’s fun to splash around in puddles, but even shallow puddles can make your car hydroplane. When your car hydroplanes, you risk getting into a car accident or damaging your vehicle. Never drive through puddles, if you can avoid them.

Do Not Drive Through Standing or Running Water

One of the biggest issues with heavy rains is standing water in the roads. Even if you have driven a road several times, you may think you know how deep the water is, but rain can wash away part of a road, and that water may be deeper than you expect. Do your best to avoid standing water in the road. If you are on a two-lane road, and there is no oncoming traffic, slow your vehicle down, and pass in the oncoming lane. If you are unable to do so, remember the saying “turn around, don’t drown.” If the water is too deep, your car can stall or even go all the way under. Stay safe, and don’t attempt to drive through standing water.

As monsoon season marches on, stay aware of weather conditions, and be sure to review these nine tips to staying safe in heavy rains. If you were in a car crash due to heavy rains in New Mexico, contact Ron Bell Injury Lawyers to get a free case evaluation.