ST. LOUIS — Spring has sprung in the St. Louis area, and with it comes spring showers. The season's heavy downpours can lead to hazardous road conditions, like slick pavement and limited visibility.
While the safest option is to avoid driving during wet weather, life doesn't always stop for Mother Nature. If you have to get out on the road, it's important to take it slow and be attentive to prevent crashes, especially during morning and evening commutes.
Stay up-to-date on the latest watches and warnings with the 5 On Your Side app, and track weather live with the Weather First interactive radar.
Before you head out, check road conditions along your route using live maps from the Illinois and Missouri departments of transportation to assess how much time you'll need to get to your destination and whether you should consider an alternate route.
When it comes to getting behind the wheel, AAA offered the following tips for safely navigating the roadways during severe weather:
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread depth before hitting the road.
- Avoid hard breaking and sharp turns.
- Drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you while allowing plenty of distance between yourself and others.
- Avoid cruise control during wet weather. It can increase your chance of losing control of your vehicle.
- Never drive through deep, standing water on a flooded road. It can cause your vehicle to stall and cause severe damage, including flooding the engine, warping brake rotors and shorting electrical components.
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