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As a resident of Pittsburgh, you know that the local roadways tend to flood when heavy rains move through the area.

If you’re stuck in your car when this happens, there are two basic things you need to do:

1. Adjust your driving style to match the weather
2. Watch for drivers who are not following safe practices

There may come a time when you find yourself approaching standing water in your vehicle. If that happens to you, here are some tips to follow:

• Never take on too much water: It only takes 12 inches of water to sweep away your vehicle, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Don’t ignore barricades: If emergency personnel use barricades to keep you off a particular part of the road, don’t attempt to go around them.
• Avoid low-lying areas: It’s here that flooding is most common, so do your best to avoid these roadways if at all possible.
• Keep a slow and steady pace through standing water: If you decide to forge ahead in a few inches of water, drive slowly and do your best to avoid stopping.
• Never drive through water with a downed power or electrical line: Electric currents can pass through the water, thus electrocuting you.

As the rain begins to fall, your chance of being part of an accident increases. This is why you should alter your driving style, while also pulling over if conditions are too rough.

If you’re involved in a car accident, move to safety, call for help and get medical treatment. Once you’re stabilized, you can decide how to best protect your legal rights.