Preventing West Palm Beach Car Accidents: 5 Tips for Hurricane Driving

Hurricanes are dangerous in many ways. One way they can cause injury or death is through Florida traffic accidents.

Anytime, we have heavy rains, there are numerous car crashes on Florida's Turnpike and Interstate 95 in Palm Beach County. Craig Goldenfarb, an accident attorney in West Palm Beach, offers rainy weather driving tips in the article, "Ten Florida Wet Weather Driving Tips That May Save Your Life."

In general, it is not a good idea to drive during a hurricane. However, if there is a medical emergency or you need to evacuate, you may not have a choice. How you drive during a hurricane can determine if you reach your destination.

1. Before leaving, listen for flood warnings. Did you know that most flood deaths occur in motor vehicles? A flood warning means that flooding is occurring or is imminent. Get flood warning information online, on the radio or on TV. You can even have warnings sent to your cell phone.
2. Once you leave, don't stop. When driving on flooded streets, don't stop to run errands, take pictures, or answer your cell phone. The ATM can wait until you are on higher ground and no picture or phone call is worth your life.
3. If an area appears flooded, take a detour - even if it means a longer drive. Never drive through standing water. You can't judge the depth of the water and you don't know what obstacles may be lurking under the surface. Remember, a car can be swept off the road in just 12 inches of water. If you have to, don't hesitate to backtrack; there is almost always an alternate route.
4. Don't drive through a flood zone at night. Even drivers with perfect vision have trouble seeing at night. When it is dark, it is harder to see flooding and is almost impossible to tell if there is a current.
5. Never drive over a bridge that is covered with water. If there is water on a bridge, there is a high risk that your vehicle will be swept into the water - even if the bridge is just barely covered. Don't get out of your car and attempt to cross the bridge on foot. If the current sweeps you off your feet, you could lose your life. Instead, get to higher ground and make a new plan.

These tips are brought to you by the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb. If you are injured in a West Palm Beach car accident and would like to discuss your Florida injury claim with an accident attorney in West Palm Beach, contact our office at 800-GOLD-LAW.