Driving in the rain, especially in Southern California can be very stressful. I say this mostly because I am from the Bay Area and most drivers are used to a little rain every once in a while. However, I have noticed that most Southern California drivers are not! Since it was drizzling a little on my way to work this morning, I thought that today would be the perfect day to write about driving safe when the roads are wet. Working for an accident attorney has opened my eyes to so many things when I am on the road. If you are suffering from injuries due to an accident, please do not hesitate to contact a car accident lawyer at Silverthorne Attorneys. Consultations are free!
Car Accident Lawyer | Slow & Steady
Most people know that it is customary to drive a bit slower when the roads are slippery. According to an accident attorney in our office, driving too fast for conditions is especially dangerous on wet pavement. This is because your tires lose traction with precipitation and when roads are wet, there is less friction between the tires and the road. This can present a problem because tires are meant to grip the pavement, not slide on it. It is actually quite common to lose about one-third of your traction when the roads are slippery. Reducing your speed helps prevent accidents. for example, if the speed limit is 65 mph, it is customary to reduce your speed to 50 mph or a little less. To reduce your chances of hydroplaning (when tires rise up on the film of water), slowing down is critical as well.
Avoid Using Cruise Control
I commute from Placentia to Ladera Ranch and back every day. However, there is never a time, even when it is not raining, when I use my cruise control. It is especially important when the roads are slippery to avoid using cruise control. This feature is great in dry conditions, however, if you use this feature when the roads are wet there is a chance of losing control of the vehicle. for example, in order to prevent the loss of traction you may need to reduce your speed by lifting off the accelerator, this cannot be done when you are using cruise control. Avoiding cruise control will give you more options when responding to the potential loss-of-traction.
Back Off
Usually when you are on the road, the rule of thumb is to keep a car lengths distance between you and the car in front of you. or keep 3-5 seconds between you and the car ahead of you. We advise that you throw those rules out when it is raining. Add more time if it’s raining. for example, for each driving challenge that is presented to you, add another second. for instance, perhaps try keeping 5-6 seconds travel time between you and the car ahead of you. Also, try to keep yourself from being boxed in by other drivers.
Accident Attorney | Good Tires Matter
Tires are important to maintain on any given day. Furthermore, it is even more important to make sure the your tires are inflated and have plenty of tread when it is raining out. Tires are known to lose a pound of pressure a month. as a car accident lawyer, we advise that you check them regularly in order to avoid a blowout. and make sure you do not over-inflate. Inflation pressures are usually found on the inside pillar of the driver’s-side door. or you can always buy a tire pressure gauge at an auto-body store.
Avoid Puddles With Standing Water
Sometimes it can be scary to be on the roads when it is raining. Especially in Southern California. and I can understand why some would want to charge through the puddles of standing water. However, this is actually a very bad idea. Water can shoot up into the engine bay and fault or short-circuit sensitive electronics, etc. It can also cause the steering wheel to pull to one side. Which is almost always a good recipe for the cause of an accident.
Injured in an Accident? Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today!
As a car accident lawyer, we have seen so many accidents that could have easily been avoided. That is why we are here! We want to help those who have been injured due to the negligence of another. and we know, all too well, just how difficult insurance adjusters can be during this time. That being said, we do not believe you should have to deal with them while you are healing. Your sole focus after your accident should be 100% on healing from your injuries. We will take care of the rest.
If you are suffering from injuries due to the negligence of another, please do not hesitate to contact us. Consultations with an accident attorney in our office are free!
