Media Release

Update #11 T.S. Fay Warning Against Travel During Inclement Weather

Thursday, August 21, 2008 1:00 AM
1:05 p.m.
 
ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Sheriff's Office is cautioning motorists to avoid non essential travel over the next 24 to 36 hours due to the possibility of dangerous roadway conditions throughout our region.  Citizens should prioritize travel to limit time spent on the roadway to travel to and from work and essential functions.  The current track of Tropical Storm Fay leads the storm across or very near to Alachua County with rainfall potentials varying from 5 to 10 inches.  With potentially large amounts of rainfall standing water on major roadways and flooding on secondary roads becomes a distinct possibility. 
 
Even small amounts of water pooled on the road can lead to hydroplaning and loss of control of a motor vehicle, especially at higher speeds.  Each year during storms, Alachua County records countless traffic accidents and several fatalities directly attributed to motorists failure to slow down during inclement weather.  Low light conditions compound the danger several times over.
 
If you must travel please ensure that your vehicle is in good working order and consider the following safety tips:
  • Check to ensure your vehicles headlights, tail lights, and turn signals are all functioning.
  • Replace worn out or malfunctioning windshield wipers. 
  • Ensure tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommendation.
  • Ensure your vehicle has plenty of fuel.
  • Increase following and stopping distances when traveling in congested traffic.
  • Reduce speeds and be prepared for roadway obstructions and law enforcement traffic direction in the event of power outages.  If a traffic signal is out it should be treated as a four way stop. 
  • Even though the posted speed limit may be 55 mph the weather conditions may dictate a slower speed for safe travel.  
  • Florida law requires motorist to move over if possible or slow down when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle.
  • Never attempt to drive through standing water, it may be deeper than it appears. 
  • Never attempt to drive across downed power lines.
  • Always travel with your cell phone when possibly so that help may be summoned in the event of an emergency.
For up to date information on local conditions, possible roadway closures, sandbag locations, shelter information and other storm related news please visit www.alachuacounty.us or call the rumor control hotline at 311.
 
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Contact

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in order to participate in a County program, service or public meeting, please contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at 352-374-5275 at least 2 business days prior to the event. TTY users please call 711 (Florida Relay Service).

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