DOTD reminds motorists to drive safely during severe weather
Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 10:24:39 AM
BATON ROUGE - As areas across Louisiana prepare for heavy rainfall, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development reminds motorists to use caution when traveling on roadways.
Motorists should watch for flooded roadways and avoid driving into standing or running water. Be safe and turn around, don’t drown.
Drivers should also follow these tips when driving during and after a rainfall event:
- Drive slowly and carefully.
- Avoid driving while distracted.
- Always allow for extra driving time.
- Reduce speeds when visibility is low.
- Make sure there is plenty of room between vehicles.
- Avoid driving into standing or running water.
- Avoid using highway overpasses as tornado shelters.
- Don’t drive unless it is necessary.
As always, DOTD reminds motorists to buckle up and refrain from drinking and driving.
Motorists are encouraged to check the status of road conditions prior to beginning commutes by utilizing the following resources for the latest information regarding road conditions:
- MyDOTD: Motorists can receive information on local projects, lane and road closures, and other DOTD activity by signing up for MyDOTD at www.dotd.la.gov.
- 511 Traveler Information: Travelers can also find information regarding road closures and traffic by visiting www.511la.org or by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can access the system by calling 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).
- DOTD has several localized twitter accounts that provide up-to-date travel information. You can sign up to get the latest travel information on road conditions, traffic and ferries via Twitter here: http://bit.ly/2rQGlV9
- Get a Game Plan: The Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness has an excellent website with resources on preparing for emergencies, including hurricanes and other storms. The site is www.getagameplan.org.