It's monsoon time in Arizona, a season that can command high winds, dust, heavy rain and flash floods across the state. The rapid onset of these storms can change weather conditions in an instant, causing damage to homes and placing motorists in precarious situations. As a result, AAA would like to provide tips and information both motorists and homeowners should be aware of as this year’s monsoon begins.

“Arizona’s annual monsoon can bring some of the most severe weather our state experiences all year long,” said Linda Gorman director of communication and public affairs for AAA Arizona. “It’s important for motorists to recognize the necessity to exercise caution during inclement weather, especially a monsoon storm, which can dramatically reduce a motorist’s visibility.”  

Should you get caught in a monsoon storm, AAA recommends motorists:

• Slow down. Roads become slippery when water mixes with oil, dirt and grease making it harder to control a vehicle.
  
  
• Refrain from tailgating.  Stopping distances are greater on wet, slippery roads.
  
  
• Allow extra time to get to your destination. Traffic is heavier in bad weather.
  
  
• Refrain from driving through flooded areas. It only takes a few inches of rushing water to move a vehicle.  Arizona’s “Stupid Motorist Law” allows agencies to collect up to $2,000 for water rescues, if drivers get stuck after purposely drive in flooded areas.
  
  
• Exercise patience. Inclement weather results in a higher than normal call volume for Roadside Assistance. This coupled with road closures and flooding, can lead to service delays.

Should a motorist find themselves in a storm that greatly or completely reduces their visibility, and cannot drive safely, the auto club recommends:

• Pulling completely off the roadway. Never stop in the travel portion of the roadway.
  
  
• Stopping with lights off, lifting foot from the brake to ensure brake lights are not lit. This will prevent other drivers from following your taillights, thinking you are still on the road.

In addition to creating dangerous road conditions, monsoon storms can also wreak havoc on vehicles and homes. While auto and home coverage vary from policy to policy, AAA recommends consumers review their policies to ensure they have adequate coverage:

• Motorists generally need a comprehensive policy to be protected against storm damage. Liability coverage only, for example, does not typically cover water damage.  
  
  
• Homeowner’s policies often cover surface water, roof damage and damage from lightning and hail. However, unless a specific policy is purchased, flooding is not covered.
  

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.  In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.