What El Paso drivers need to know ahead of expected rainfall
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The Borderland has experienced a drier monsoon season this year, and because of that any rainfall that hits our area can impact our roadways.
Our dry climate creates the perfect conditions for flooding. When rain hits the overtly dry ground it's hard for any rain to saturate. This leads to rain resting on top of the ground causing flooding.
Adding to the issue, our extreme heat and dryness have left more oil on the road. As we know water and oil don't mix this can lead to hydroplaning on wet roads. With rain expected this week, this could become a safety hazard for drivers.
"Hydroplaning, it can happen with less than an inch. You just need the water to be enough so that the car isn't making contact with the ground. Also if you are going fast you only need a few inches of water even one inch of water can be enough to make a car hydroplane that's why we are asking people to slow down," said Enrique Duenas El Paso Fire spokesman.
Duenas adds the fire department responds to more car accidents during the rain.
AAA spokesman says also they receive more calls for stranded cars when the roads are wet. They add many crashes during rain are related to the oil and slippery roadways, as well as inexperienced driving on wet roadways.
In order to stay safe AAA asks you to make sure your car is well-prepared. This means making sure your lights, your wipers, and your tires are working. They ask that you avoid using cruise control and slow down.
"Speed is a factor in a lot of crashes when it comes to wet roadways. So make sure you slow down, and leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you," said Daniel Armbruster with AAA. "It's really important. If you see water covering the road, it doesn't matter how high you think the water is, you have to assume that that's a dangerous situation. Turn around, don't drown."
