Yumans Asked to Prepare for Storm

The City of Yuma is asking residents to slow down, pay attention, and stay out of flooded areas.

Tuesday’s winter storm dropped nearly one-half inch of rain on the City of Yuma, and the next storm could arrive as early as this evening.  Because of this, the City of Yuma is asking residents to be overly cautious when driving in and around our community the next couple of days.  “We are expecting more rain today around 6:00 p.m. and throughout the night,” said Joel Olea, the Director of Field Operations for the Public Works Department.  “Last night’s rain was rather steady and our storm drain system worked relatively well; however, the ground is now saturated and any additional rain may cause us some problems.  We need to remind our residents of some safe driving tips and to stay out of flooded areas and away from areas with a lot of mud coming from the agricultural fields.  Driving through flooded roads can push water up into yards and homes.  When driving in rural areas and near agricultural fields, mud is easily tracked onto the roadways and those roadways become slippery and hazardous.  We don’t get rain very often, and when we do our streets become slick, from the oil and exhaust residue that collects on the surface, and also from the mud that collects on our streets from the agricultural workers.  A wet road covered with mud can be as slippery as one covered with ice.”

As another winter rainstorm is expected to hit the Yuma area late Wednesday motorists can anticipate driving hazards, even at moderate speeds, caused by decreased visibility, slippery roads, wind gusts, and possible blowing dust, according to the National Weather Service.

“Most crashes are preventable if motorists pay extra attention,” said Sgt. Clint Norred of the Yuma Police Department. “Reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces mean that motorists will need to modify their normal Yuma driving habits.  The streets in the valley and near agricultural fields become covered with mud that’s extremely slippery.  It’s very easy to lose control of your vehicle in these conditions.  Plan ahead, slow down, and take a few extra minutes to get to your destination.”

To avoid driving problems, the City of Yuma recommends the following:

Slow down.

• Motorists should drive slowly, particularly through puddles. Hitting several inches of water at high speeds can cause a driver to lose control of the car. Fast driving through puddles may also push or splash water into the engine and cause it to stall. Driving at slower speeds helps drivers be prepared for sudden stops due to disabled cars, debris, and other hazards associated with wet-weather driving.

Stay out of flooded areas.

• Do not travel into flooded intersections or across washes.  When streets, or roads flood you can’t see any obstructions that may be laying beneath the surface of the water.  You also can’t tell how deep the water is.  Many motorists risk stalling their vehicles in flooded areas, and risk their lives and property by traveling into flooded intersections and washes.  The least you’ll have is the embarrassment, you may also incur a large towing bill, and an unwanted traffic ticket.

Keep your distance.

• A car needs two-to-three times more stopping distance on wet pavement, so allow extra following distance between cars. If the car skids and control is lost, do not slam on the brakes. Instead, apply the brakes with a steady, light but firm pressure. Remember to steer in the direction the car is sliding. When traction is regained, steering control will return. For cars equipped with anti-lock brakes, drivers should apply heavy steady pressure, but not pump the brakes.

Use the center lanes.

• When driving during heavy rain, use center lanes of the road (without straddling the yellow line). Avoid outside lanes where water collects at curbside.

Avoid distractions.

• Motorists are advised to minimize eating, drinking, cellular phone use, tuning stereo or applying makeup while driving, particularly in the rain. If it’s necessary to engage in these activities, pull over and stop in a safe place.

Stay informed.

• Tune into local radio and television weather reports to know where street flooding or traffic congestion may occur and avoid these areas.

Check your brakes.

• After driving through puddles, check that brakes are working properly by tapping them gently a few times.

Use your headlights and defrosters.

• Driving in the rain means reduced visibility. The Yuma Police Department recommends that motorists turn on their vehicle’s headlights so they can see and be seen. Turning on the defroster helps keep the inside of the windshield clear of fog or moisture.

Check your tires.

• Make sure your vehicle’s tires are in good condition and are at the recommended inflation level. Driving with bald tires on a slippery surface is a major factor in skidding. Tires should have at least 1/32nd of an inch tread depth at any two adjacent grooves, the minimum allowable by law. Driving on tires that are over-inflated or under-inflated is also extremely dangerous on wet, or slippery, pavement.

Make sure windshield wiper blades are in good condition.

• Streaks or skipping on the vehicle’s windshield are signs of worn wiper blades. Inspect wipers once a month and check washer solvent reservoir to ensure it’s full. Most vehicles in Yuma need to have their wiper blades replaced yearly, even though you may not have used your windshield wipers.

For further information about the City’s storm preparations or other safe driving tips, contact Greg Hyland at (928) 373-5023, or Dave Nash at (928) 373-5015.