A general once asked Napoleon Bonaparte what the battlefield genius would do if he were trapped between a river and an opposing army. Napoleon quickly answered, “My genius lies in not allowing myself to be in such a stupid situation.”

Most car accidents in bad weather take place during the first few minutes of a downpour. When torrential rains lead to floods, worse accidents happen. Low visibility cause chain collisions or pile-ups, cars are washed away downstream, and drivers drown, suffocate or suffer a heart attack inside their cars.

Like Napoleon, planning your trip will keep you from getting trapped in a malicious downpour that increases your chances of getting into a worse accident. But sometimes, you drive off under a perfectly blue sky when suddenly boom! Darkness sets in and water pours from the heavens. How do you keep yourself safe? What should you do before, and when, you drive in the pouring rain?

Here are ten useful tips that should get you safely to your destination.

Avoid flooded areas

A few minutes of torrential rainfall can cause flash floods. Surprisingly, more bad weather deaths are caused by flash flooding than any other type of severe weather. Nearly half of all flash flooding fatalities is automobile related. The key to survival during flooding is to avoid running water, such as swollen streams and low water crossings. Drive cautiously, never go through roadblocks or travel over flooded roads. Shallow water a foot deep can carry your car off the road. Be extra cautious at night when darkness makes it especially hard to see water over the road.

Know your way

Whether going on a long trip or coming home from the office, it’s better to know well the natural features of your route. Is the road on low or high ground? Can it get flooded? Is there a river nearby that floods easily? Where is it safe – gas station, inn, or a friend’s house –to wait until the rains stop and floodwaters subside? Knowing these will help you avoid getting trapped in a traffic jam caused by flash floods or worse, being swept away by the rushing water. Watching helplessly as the water rises around you is a terrible experience. Be prudent. When the rain catches you off guard, knowing where the nearest places of refuge are can be a matter of life or death.