Driving in Modesto’s heavy rain? What to do if you hydroplane and other safety tips

Drivers should slow down, avoid flooded streets and take other steps as more rain hits the Modesto area.

As much as 6 inches could fall over the seven days ending Jan. 10, the National Weather Service said. It comes on top of earlier storms that caused localized flooding in areas that drain slowly.

Here is advice from the Weather Service, the California Highway Patrol and other sources on ways to stay safe while on the roads:

1. Make sure your windshield wipers are working properly before setting out.
2. Keep your headlights on during rain, day and night.
   
   
3. Slow down. Wet roads lengthen the distance that a braking vehicle needs to stop.
   
   
4. Avoid streets with pooled water; you don’t know how deep it might be or what objects might be concealed. Two feet of water is enough to float a car. It also can cause expensive engine damage.
   
   
5. Watch out for hydroplaning. This occurs when your tires lose traction on wet pavement. Remain calm, tap the brakes lightly and steer in the direction of the spin if you skid.
6. Don’t be that driver who intentionally splashes through curbside flooding. Pedestrians could be nearby, and wet enough already.
7. Postpone your trip until the storm has passed, if possible. A rainy day at home with loved ones always beats a white-knuckle drive.
   
   

This story was originally published January 4, 2023 at 11:10 AM.

John Holland

The Modesto Bee

209-578-2385

John Holland covers agriculture, transportation and general assignment news. He has been with The Modesto Bee since 2000 and previously worked at newspapers in Sonora and Visalia. He was born and raised in San Francisco and has a journalism degree from UC Berkeley.