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AAA Releases Driver Tips For Hurricane Sandy

AAA News Release: AAA TIPS FOR DRIVERS – HURRICANE SANDY  Before The Storm Gas up your car since power outages may leave service station without the ability to ...
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AAA News Release:

AAA TIPS FOR DRIVERS – HURRICANE SANDY

 Before The Storm

  • Gas up your car since power outages may leave service station without the ability to pump fuel out of the ground. (Note: AAA will not deliver emergency fuel to members if stations are without power.)
  • Clear your windshield and windows on the inside and outside, and ensure that your window wipers are in good shape.
  • Be sure tires are properly inflated.
  • Check that all lights are working properly.
  • Remove excess items from the car and trunk, and replace them with an emergency road service kit which includes: flashlight with extra batteries; reflective triangles; fire extinguisher; jumper cables; first aid kit; jack and spare tire; rain gear or extra clothing; and pocket knife.

During The Storm

  • Heed the warnings of emergency officials and observe road closure signs – do not attempt to drive on closed roads or into evacuated areas.
  • Turn on windshield wipers and head lights (not just daytime running lights) as soon as rain begins to fall. Virginia law dictates that headlights must be on when your wipers are on due to inclement weather.
  • If windows begin to fog, turn on the car’s defroster. Air conditioning may be comfortable, but warmer temperatures clear windshields of steam more quickly.
  • Use low-beam headlights to help other drivers see your car and increase visibility.
  • Slow down. Speed limits are set for ideal road conditions. Rain decreases visibility and increases braking distances.
  • Increase following distances. Normal dry pavement following distance (2-3) seconds should be increased to 8 seconds or more when driving on slippery surfaces. While driving, train your eyes farther down the road than normal, so you will be able to anticipate changes and adjust your course gradually.
  • Driving in other vehicle’s tracks can improve traction and help you avoid hydroplaning.
  • Drivers of four-wheel drive vehicles must remember they are not immune from hydroplaning on wet surfaces. Four-wheel drive cars are just as likely to lose traction on wet roads as any other vehicle.
  • Be wary of high wind conditions. Larger trucks are more affected by high winds, so give them plenty of room on the roadways.
  • Watch out for debris or downed wires on the roadways. If in a vehicle that is in contact with a downed power line, the best rule is to stay there until help arrives. If there is an imminent danger, such a fire, stand on the door frame or edge of the vehicle and jump clear with both feet at the same time. Do not make contact with anything on the vehicle so that your body does not become a pathway for the electricity to reach the earth.
  • Do not attempt to cross any standing water on the road as just six inches can make you lose control of your car and two feet of water will carry away most cars.
  • Try to avoid bridges and roads that are known to flood. Cross them only if there is little standing or streaming water.
  • If you are forced to stop in traffic due to poor visibility, turn on emergency flashers immediately.

 After The Storm

  • If your car has been damaged, take pictures of the damage for insurance claims and contact your service agent.
  • If power lines are on your vehicle, do not attempt to remove them nor touch the vehicle. Contact the local power company for assistance.
  • If the vehicle has been flooded, contact a qualified automotive technician before attempting to start a flood-damaged car. Have the technician inspect all mechanical components including the engine, transmission, steering system, axles, and fuel system for water contamination. Also have the technician drain floodwater from contaminated systems and flush with clean water or a solvent, as appropriate. All contaminated fluids, such as oil, transmission fluid, and engine coolant should be drained and replaced.

AAA Mid-Atlantic serves 700,000 members in the Philadelphia (5-county) region and nearly four million members in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, with personal insurance, financial, automotive and travel services through 63 retail branches, regional operations centers and the internet, at www.aaa.com/community.

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