BATON ROUGE, LA (February 13, 2025) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) strongly urges motorists to drive responsibly during inclement weather, particularly heavy rain events.
DOTD recommends the following tips to help avoid crashes and other incidents, especially on high-speed roadways such as interstates:
- Slow down: Wet roads reduce traction, so you should slow your speed to maintain control of your vehicle. Increase following distance: You won’t be able to stop your car as quickly on a wet road, so keep more distance between you and other vehicles.
- Brake gently & early: Avoid slamming on your brakes, which can cause your car to slide forward.
- Avoid standing water: It can be difficult to determine exactly how deep standing water is, which can lead to skidding or hydroplaning.
- Turn on your headlights: This increases your visibility and helps other drivers see you.
- Avoid cruise control: Cruise control can increase the chance of losing control of your vehicle in wet conditions.
- Pull over if visibility is low: If visibility is almost zero, such as with heavy fog or torrential rainfall, pull over onto the roadway shoulder if it’s safe to do so.
- Remove distractions: Drivers should make every attempt to reduce or remove unnecessary distractions, should as cell phone use.
- Never drive while impaired: Remember to never get behind the wheel while impaired, and this can include prescription medication that may affect judgment.
Recently, crashes involving 18-wheelers and other vehicles have been noted during periods of heavy rain along the I-220 corridor at the I-49 interchange in Shreveport, as well as other interstates across the state.
In the coming weeks, DOTD will be applying a friction surface treatment to the I-220 pavement in both directions at the I-49 interchange in Shreveport as a supplemental safety measure. This treatment will add friction that helps motorists maintain better control in wet and dry driving conditions.
Even with added safety features, it is imperative that drivers make good decisions behind the wheel, especially during wet weather on busy roadways or anytime driving conditions change, in an effort to help prevent crashes and ensure the safety of all road users.
Additional information:
For additional travel information, call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, select MyDOTD, or visit the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.
