Monsoon season is on the horizon for us desert dwellers. Here with some helpful hints for traveling through monsoon territory is Rebecca Havely …
Before traveling check the weather and traffic conditions. Make sure your car is in good running condition. Bring plenty of water and snacks, required medications, a charged cell phone with car charger, blankets and sturdy shoes. Pay attention and follow any directions given by road signs, road work personnel, law enforcement, or emergency responders. Be especially cautious at night. Never attempt crossing a “Road Closed” sign or flooded roadway. In the event of an emergency call 9-1-1. Slow down, be prepared and turn around don’t drown.
Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov
- Driving around barricades is illegal and dangerous.
- Do not let children play near storm drains or washes after a heavy rain.
- Avoid low-water crossings.
- Avoid camping in a wash or in the bottom of a canyon with steep side slopes.
- Be especially cautious at night. Flood dangers are much more difficult to see in the dark.
Even a less serious urban flood can be dangerous. Driving too fast through standing water can cause a car to hydroplane. The best defense is to slow down or pull well off the road (with the lights off) for a few minutes to wait out heavy rains.
- Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast.
- Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
- Do not camp or park a vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
- If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc.
- Roadbeds may be washed out under floodwaters. Never drive through flooded roadways.
- If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
- If a traffic signal is out, treat the intersection as a 4-way stop.
- As little as ten inches of water can float average-sized cars, mini-vans, SUVs and trucks. Strength of the flow is the critical force.
- When in doubt, wait it out, or find a safer route.
After a monsoon event, be alert for Caltrans crews cleaning the highways and give the crews plenty of room.
