November 28, 2001

Press Release/Public Service Announcement

To: Newsroom

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer

Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Fire Department Issues "Tips for Driving in the Rain" as part of Preparing for Winter series

Helpful hints part of department’s effort to reduce injuries and deaths

The Shreveport Fire Department as part of an ongoing and organized effort to reduce injuries and deaths due to fires, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, and traffic accidents in the late Fall and Winter months has implemented their "Preparing for Winter" public awareness series. The month of and those leading into Winter are a time when the department sees an increase in injuries and deaths associated with fires, CO poisonings, and traffic accidents. "Statistically this is our busiest time of the year and we want to make sure that the citizens are taking every precaution possible to avoid having to see us for a preventable emergency," said Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran. The Preparing for Winter series is one way the fire department is attempting to decrease the chances you or your family will suffer an emergency this Holiday and Winter Season. Today’s information, appropriately focuses on safety when driving in the rain.

Tips for Driving in the Rain

1. Be extra careful immediately after it starts raining because it takes awhile for the dirt and oil to get washed off of the road.

2. Don’t get into a hurry on the road. Leave even earlier to wherever you need to go. It sure seems like no one else out there knows how to drive in the rain.

3. Watch for intersections because of the oil spots in the road. Dirt and oil build up at intersections and can cause a serious problem if you need to stop or turn abruptly.

4. Turn on your headlights so people can see you. You may be able to see cars without their headlights on but others may not have the vision or windshield wipers as good as yours.

5. Don’t drive in standing water because you do not know how deep it is and it can saturate your brakes and make it hard to stop. Even if not deep, the water can cause your wheels to turn slightly, which could easily lead to a spin at higher speeds.

6. Drive in the fast lane. There are less cars and less oil in the fast lane and due to the slope of the road water drains toward the slow outside lane.

7. Replace your wipers so you can see better. The blades should be replaced once a year.

8. Have your tires checked by a professional for wear. Worn or balding tires can lead to hydroplaning.

9. Leave lots of space between you and the car in front of you because it takes longer to stop. Leave an extra car length or two over what you would normally allow for separation.

Be safe this holiday and Winter season from your friends at the Shreveport Fire Department. ###