Although nothing severe is forecasted, the Selma area may get rain throughout the weekend and into the early portions of next week. Let’s hope those forecasts are correct and our area avoids any thunderstorms or worse.

With that said, storms that bring only rain can still be hazardous. Selma’s roadways are notorious for holding water, whether it’s rained all day or only for a couple of hours. Several roads often flood to the point where portions of them are hardly passable and extremely dangerous.

When it’s raining, we urge drivers to take more caution and to pay attention on roadways. One hotspot for a potential accident is the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where drivers often speed over the hill and then have to slam on the brakes because a long line of cars is waiting at the red light.

It’s not uncommon to hear screeching brakes as motorists try to stop quickly after coming down the bridge toward Selma and that’s in dry coniditons. When it’s been raining, it’s even more difficult to stop.

Wet conditions create many hazards for motorists. AAA recommends these tips for anyone having to deal with driving in rainy conditions:

• Most modern cars feature cruise control. This feature works great in dry conditions, but when used in wet conditions, the chance of losing control of the vehicle can increase. To prevent loss of traction, the driver may need to reduce the car’s speed by lifting off the accelerator, which cannot be accomplished when cruise control is engaged.
• Slowing down during wet weather driving can be critical to reducing a car’s chance of hydroplaning, when the tires rise up on a film of water. With as little as 1/12 inch of water on the road, tires have to displace a gallon of water per second to keep the rubber meeting the road.
• If you feel the car begin to skid, continue to look and steer in the direction you want the car to go. Don’t panic, and avoid slamming on the brakes to maintain control.