TripTips

Seasonaltip

Be Flood Safe

Traileringtip

Practice Safe Trailering

USRider reminds horse owners that their trailers require extra space when making maneuvers, so they should use extra caution. USRider offers these additional tips for safe trailering:

• Update your lighting. Is the lighting system on your trailer adequate? Consider updating your lighting to the newer, brighter LED lights. Or consider buying a newer trailer for enhanced safety. Make sure that your brake lights and turn signals are working properly.

• Use headlights. Drive with your headlights on at all times.

• Drive carefully. During stops, lane changes, and turns, allow enough space, and signal properly. Other drivers can’t read your mind, and the consequences of an accident can be tragic and result in human or equine death in an instant.

You can’t judge the water’s depth and the road’s condition just by looking at a flooded road—and a vehicle can float in just a few inches of water.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, flooding causes about 140 deaths and $6 billion in property damage in the United States each year. Half of all fatalities during floods are auto-related—usually the result of drivers misjudging the depth of water on a road and the force of moving water. Most of these cases are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around flood barriers, according to officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

You can’t judge the water’s depth and the road’s condition just by looking at a flooded road—and a vehicle can float in just a few inches of water. USRider reminds you to be extra cautious on the road, especially when traveling with your horse. Follow these travel tips from NOAA:

Monitor the weather. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, download the NOAA application to your mobile device, and watch the news for vital weather-related information.

Get to higher ground. If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately, and seek higher ground.

Avoid the flooded area. Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Don’t attempt to cross flowing streams.

Avoid flooded roadways. Never drive through flooded roadways. Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. Be night aware. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers.

• Pull over carefully. If you need to make a stop, make sure you can pull your vehicle and trailer completely out of the traffic lane.

• Check mirrors. Be aware of your surroundings and other vehicles at all times. Make sure that your mirrors are adequate and properly adjusted.

• Make legal turns. Don’t make an illegal U-turn. Road engineers have made such turns illegal for a reason. If you miss your exit, go to the next exit. On highways and roadways, find a safe, legal place to make a U-turn.