Yuma Sun

Vigilance key when driving in monsoon season

ADOT offers tips to keep drivers safe in sudden rain, wind

Living in the desert, it’s easy to get a bit spoiled. We don’t have to worry about weird weather like snow and ice. Sleet? Not here.

Rain is such a rarity that we tend to not give it too much thought. But when it does happen, it often does so in the form of a monsoon, which can cause a host of challenges, especially for drivers who are unaccustom­ed to driving in such inclement weather.

We haven’t had a good monsoon hit Yuma yet this season, but on Sunday, the National Weather Service issued an advisory that noted “Strong gusty winds, lightning and locally heavy rainfall” were possible in Southwest Arizona through Thursday, with increased risks of increased dense blowing wind.

Oh, and that excessive heat warning we’ve been living under? It’s been extended through Friday.

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Sigh.

We’re in the second half of July, and that means anything goes, weatherwis­e.

Because rain isn’t a frequent visitor here, it’s worth a refresher course. Here are some tips from the Arizona Department of Transporta­tion:

• Don’t risk crossing a flooded wash, even if it doesn’t look deep. Even a few inches of running water poses a serious risk.

• Don’t drive around “Road Closed” signs. You risk your life and face being cited under state law.

• If traffic lights are out, treat an intersecti­on as a four-way stop.

• Inspect your windshield wipers and replace them if necessary.

• Reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

• Avoid sudden braking, which can cause you to slide on wet pavement. To slow down, take your foot off the gas pedal and brake slowly.

Rain isn’t the only threat from a monsoon. In Yuma, we’re more likely to see a dust storm.

ADOT notes that in such circumstan­ces, drivers should:

• Immediatel­y check traffic around the vehicle and begin slowing down.

• Pull off the roadway as soon as possible, and if you are on the highway, exit if you can.

• Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers. You don’t want other vehicles approachin­g from behind to use your lights as a guide and crash into your vehicle.

• Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.

• Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

We generally don’t have a lot of stormy days in Yuma. In fact, the amount of sunshine we have here is legendary. But when storms do pop up, it’s important to know what to do, especially as a driver. Be safe out there, Yuma!