How to drive safely during Monsoon season
You’re driving on the 10, then suddenly, a sheet. Monsoon season seems to come in full force, directly onto your windshield. You slow down, you turn your hazards on, but ultimately, it’s hard not to feel helpless in these situations. Yesterday, residents across the Coachella Valley experienced this scary situation firsthand.
“It was very very hard rain, high-velocity wind,” said Sgt. Miguel Preciada of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department. “You couldn’t see more than 5 feet in front of your vehicle – I couldn’t see anything.”
The waters flooding the roadways can move debris and even move your car. Avoiding the situation entirely can may be your wisest choice, but if you’re in the thick of things, there is a protocol to follow.
“Unfortunately flash floods – that’s why they’re called flash floods – you don’t know they’re coming,” said California Highway Patrol Officer Jackie Quintero. “They kind of come out of nowhere.”
With high winds blowing through Desert Hot Springs, and water rising on streets in Palm Springs and other places in the valley, officials warned people to drive more slowly during the difficult driving conditions.
“If you don’t see a puddle and you’re driving normal speed, you could hydroplane which could cause your car to go off the side of the road or cause another accident,” Sgt. Preciada said.
The best advice when a flash flood hits — to take driving slowly and carefully.
“Immediately turn on your emergency flashers.” continued Preciada. “If you can get safely to the side of the road go ahead and do that.”
Safety reminder for driving during a monsoon
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