On the Road

By Kelly Hannon

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Driving in the Rain? Slow Down!

Nov. 12, 2009 3:22 pm

Virginia State Police have been very busy today, responding to crashes statewide where flooding, standing water or rain may have been factors.

In Division I, which includes Caroline, Essex, King George, Lancaster, Louisa, Richmond and Westmoreland counties, as well as most of the Richmond area, no fatalities have been reported today. However, state police have responded to 104 crashes in that division through 3 p.m. this afternoon. And the evening rush hour has yet to begin.

In the Hampton Roads division, where flooding is worse, state police have responded to more than 140 crashes.

Virginia State Police spokesman Sgt. Thomas Molnar recommended drivers leave extra following distance between their vehicle and other vehicles this evening, and to slow down.

"Just because the speed limit is posted does not mean that's the safest condition to be driving at that speed limit. So they need to adjust their driving to the conditions of the road," Molnar said.

That includes Interstate 95, he said. "65 mph - That's for optimal driving conditions. With the rain and the wind, that's not optimal driving conditions," Molnar said.

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Kelly Hannon is the transportation reporter for The Free Lance-Star.

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Kelly Hannon writes about traffic and transportation in the Fredericksburg area.