RACV's tips for staying safe in wet weather

RACV is urging motorists to exercise more caution than normal with heavy rainfall, flash floods and thunderstorms forecast for parts of Victoria for the remainder of the week.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting between 50 and 100mm of rain across Victoria over the next 48 hours.

RACV urged motorists to drive to the conditions and follow these wet weather tips:

• Delay any unnecessary travel,
• Turn on your vehicle’s headlights,
• Slow down and allowing extra braking distance, and
• Allow more time to get to your destination.

RACV Senior Manager of Transport Peter Kartsidimas said the advice was especially important for people living in, or travelling to, bushfire affected areas.

“There is an increased risk of landslips and debris across the road in these areas after the fires destroyed the vegetation,” Mr Kartsidimas said.

“Locals and visitors alike should take extra care in these regions. Just because you think you know the roads; doesn’t mean you know what’s around the next bend.”

Mr Kartsidimas warned motorists to avoid driving through floodwaters.

“Floodwaters are often murk, so motorists have no idea what they are driving into,” Mr Kartsidimas warned.

“There may be rocks, debris or a massive hole under the water’s surface. Some currents are also strong enough to wash away vehicles.

“The message is simple. If it’s flooded, forget it,” he said.

RACV advised motorists to pull over and wait for the weather to improve if conditions worsen.

“Move well off the roadway to a safe area and turn on your hazard lights so other motorists can see your vehicle,” Mr Kartsidimas advised.

“But do not pull up under trees, they can fall or lose branches during violent storms and high winds. Stay away from flooded creeks, gutters, drains and rivers. Never stop in low lying areas that could flood.

“Finally, avoid fallen powerlines, there is always a risk they are live.”

RACV recommends motorists stay tuned to local radio for the latest weather warnings, use the Bureau of Meteorology website or VicEmergency App.