GEICO’s Tips for Navigating Heavy Rain and High Water

LAKELAND, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Navigating roads in heavy rains is a daunting experience for any driver. So too is the possibility of high water and flash flooding in low-lying areas, as 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down, and 1 foot of moving water can sweep away a vehicle according to ready.gov.

GEICO reminds drivers to avoid driving through unknown puddles. It’s safer to turn around and find a different route.

If you don’t see the painted lines, don’t drive through.

If caught in heavy rain, remember to:

• Turn on your headlamps – Simply turning on your headlamps makes your vehicle more visible.
• Reduce your speed – Reducing your speed lessens the chances of hydroplaning. Should you hydroplane, immediately take your foot off the accelerator. Don’t apply the brakes or turn the steering wheel. A rotating tire has traction; a sliding one does not.
• Maintain a safe distance – Increasing the space between the vehicle ahead reduces the chances of a collision.
• Avoid high water – Not only may it save your car from damage, but it may also save your life.

If time permits before the next rainstorm:

• Check your wiper blades – Regular use takes its toll on wiper blades. Streaks left on the windshield might mean it’s time to replace your wiper blades.
• Check your tires – Worn tires, combined with oils from the road, make it easy to lose traction and slide. Tire tread patterns are designed to do different tasks depending on your driving needs, and one of its primary functions is pushing water out and away from the tire.

If you have a loss, please report it as quickly as possible, using GEICO Mobile. You can visit our website or call [phone] 24 hours a day. Learn about GEICO’s Catastrophe Response Team and how we service severe storms. Please click the links for more detailed information on safe driving in the heavy rain and getting your home Flood-Ready.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company), the second-largest auto insurer in the U.S., was founded in 1936 and insures more than 28 million vehicles in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. A member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies, GEICO employs more than 43,000 associates countrywide. GEICO constantly strives to make lives better by protecting people against unexpected events while saving them money and providing an outstanding customer experience. Along with personal auto insurance, commercial auto and personal umbrella coverages are also available. Homeowners, renters, condo, flood, identity theft, term life, and more coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Visit geico.com for a quote or to learn more.