Tips for staying safe on the road during severe spring weather

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- With severe weather in the forecast, a reminder that driving in the rain may be more dangerous than you think. 

According to AAA, rain is responsible for more crashes than any other weather condition. 

That’s mostly due to underestimating. AAA said many drivers get out on the road while it’s raining, thinking they don’t need to change their driving habits, and that’s what leads to so many crashes. 

"We love the spring, but it comes with those showers, so give yourself more time,” AAA Driver Education Supervisor Kellie O’Riordan said. 

She said it’s always best to leave earlier than normal would during severe weather, letting drivers take it slow on dangerous roads. 

“You have that debris and the leftover oils on that roadway meeting with that rain,” O’Riordan said. “Of course, oil and water don't mix and that's when it becomes the most slippery.” 

She also advises keeping extra distance from other vehicles, never using cruise control, and of course, “turn around, don’t drown.”

“Don't assume that that standing water is just a little bit of water; always assume that there could be a sinkhole,” O’Riordan said. 

As little as six inches of water can cause drivers to lose control and can also cause damage to your car. 

“You could flood your engine, you could work the brake rotors, loss of power steering or a short and any of the electrical units and those things add up,” O’Riordan said. “That's going to cost thousands of dollars and our insurance experts tell us that if you choose to go through standing water, that might not be covered.” 

This is just the start of spring showers and O’Riordan said there is some maintenance you should be checking on your car -- make sure your tire pressure is full and your tire tread is still good.