Travelers advised to drive slowly, use extra caution on N.C. 12 due to standing water
People traveling on the Outer Banks this weekend are urged to slow down and pay close attention because heavy rainfall has left some standing water on N.C. 12 south of the Marc Basnight Bridge in Dare County.
The N.C. Department of Transportation says standing water is heaviest on N.C. 12 between Whalebone and Rodanthe.
People should never drive through flooded roads. A foot of water can cause vehicles to float and two feet of rushing water can carry away vehicles.
Motorists should drive at least 5-to-10 mph slower than the speed limit on wet pavement. Other tips for driving on wet roads include:
- Stay alert and be ready for sudden stops. Allow at least twice the normal following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
- Signal for turns and brake earlier than usual as you near a turn or stop.
- Be patient and do not pass lines of traffic.
- Turn on your low-beam headlights and use your defroster to increase visibility.
NCDOT also urges people to pay attention to the latest information posted on its digital message boards along N.C. 12.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
