In heavy or sudden rain:
Rain reduces traction and causes tires to hydroplane on roads. Slow your speed accordingly. The first few minutes of a storm are the most dangerous, as the rain is bringing oils and substances onto the surface of the blacktop.
Water on roads may be deeper than it looks. Watch for vehicles traveling too fast. They can throw up blinding sheets of water.
Don’t cross rain-swollen washes. You can be caught in a flash flood that can sweep your vehicle and its contents away.
Pay attention to hazard signs and roadblocks. Ignoring them threatens life and property, and can result in enforcement action by police. A car can be washed away in a small amount of water moving at a high speed. Control of a vehicle is lost in 6 inches of water. Most vehicles will begin to float in 2 feet of water.
If you become stuck in a wash:
Call 911.
If the water is moving quickly or is deep DO NOT attempt to get out, stay in your car and wait to be rescued.