Notebook — Oct. 22

Art of driving in rain: As heavy rains and hail continue today, the New Mexico Department of Transportation offers these tips for driving in inclement weather:

• If possible, stay off the road during heavy thunderstorms. Large flashes of lightning can temporarily blind and disorient drivers, and the accompanying high winds and heavy rain can create deadly driving conditions.

• Never drive through moving water if you can’t see the ground through it; your vehicle could be swept off the road.

• Watch out for places where floodwater collects, particularly low-lying roads adjacent to streams, and dips under rail or highway bridges.

• Avoid driving through deep water, because it can cause serious damage to a modern vehicle’s electrical system.

• Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely, because the spray created by their large tires can reduce vision.

• Stay toward the middle lanes — water tends to pool in outside lanes.

• When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.

Notebook was compiled by Editor David Stevens. Contact him at: [email protected] or find him on Facebook.