Carbondale Reporter

Rep. Dave Severin warned his followers about rainy weather on the roads.

“Please drive with caution in the rain,” he wrote.

Betz & Baril noted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported wet pavement causes 70% of weather-related car accidents.

In his Facebook post on Tuesday, he shared a post and video from WFCN Illinois.

“Areas of Interstate 57 northbound are beginning to flood this morning in Northern Franklin and Jefferson counties," Severin said. "Heavy rainfall continues through the area. Use Extreme caution when traveling if necessary.”

One danger on wet roads is hydroplaning — when there is a film of water sitting on top of a road that causes wheel slips. Bridgestone Tire wrote the diver could lose control.

Flash flooding was reported in Jefferson County, Ill. The Mount Vernon Fire Department and the Jefferson County Fire Protection District reported that, thankfully, they have not responded to any water rescues.

Heart of Illinois ABC reported an Illinois State Police trooper would encounter the hydroplaning firsthand. While responding to an emergency call on a July 6 morning, the trooper suddenly drove into a puddle of water in the roadway that ended in the car crashing into a signpost.

Although the trooper recovered from the crash, one 47-year-old wouldn’t during her experience with a car hydroplaning in White Couty on New Year’s Day.

44 News reported the Illinois State Police found Keely Wright of Shawneetown dead while trying to pass another car when hers hydroplaned, ran into an embankment, and crashed into a tree.

Severin was first elected to the Illinois House in 2017. A Republican, their legislative experience includes serving on the Judiciary - Criminal and Mental Health & Addiction. Severin is a state representative who resides in Benton, according to the Illinois House.

A tip Bridgestone Tire recommends if one’s car is hydroplaning is to not panic as “overreacting will cause the situation to worsen.”