Turn around, don’t Drown

With all eyes watching Hurricane Florence, motorists are being encouraged to watch roads as well in order to avoid flooded areas. Oconee County Deputy Chief of Special Operations and Emergency Manager Scott Krein says don’t drive across any flooded roads but rather turn around and don’t drown. “We’re asking people if you get to a flooded area and you can’t see the road; you can’t see the white or yellow lines on the road, turn around, don’t drown. It is not worth it, you don’t know the road is going to be there and that will help us alleviate some possible drowning incidents.” It only takes a few inches of water to move a vehicle, adds Chief Krein. “As little as six inches of water can actually move a car. Water moves fast, pushes against objects and can push a car off a road. Once it is off the road it can be sent into a creek or tributary very quickly.” In addition, make sure that you have checked your windshield wipers to make sure they are in good working order. Make sure to reduce your speed while driving to avoid hydroplaning and to give yourself plenty of stopping distance from the vehicle in front of you. Of course, never use your cruise control when you travel on wet roads.