Southern California may not be known as a place that gets a lot of rain but in fact that can make us less safe. Drivers in midwestern states who deal with rain on a regular basis don’t think twice about how to drive in it but do you know what to do? We are in dire need of water and we hope that if it comes, you know how to stay safe.
Read on to get basic tips on how to safely drive in wet weather. If you are involved in a car, bike, bus, truck, or motorcycle accident during wet conditions then we hope you will contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation. We are here to let you know what your options are.
Make sure your car is up for the challenge
If it has not rained for a while and you get caught in a downpour, you may quickly realize that your car is not ready at all. Check your windshield wipers to make sure they are in working order. Check the tread on your tires to make sure you have traction.
Be extra careful in the first hour of rainfall
If it is not rained for a while, then a number of substances are likely to have accumulated on the roads including dirt, dust, and oil. When they are mixed with water, they can cause the road to be very slick. This is why it is always smart to exercise extra caution in the first hour of a fresh rainfall.
Use your headlights and do not follow closely
There is a law in California – as there are in many states – that if you have your windshield wipers on then you must have your headlights on too – even if it is the middle of the day. This can help other drivers more easily see you in the reduced visibility of a rainstorm. Be sure as well to leave extra room to stop. Your car will take longer to stop in wet conditions.
Know what to do if something goes wrong
Hydroplaning can happen if you are driving during wet conditions. This is a condition in which your car is no longer making contact with the road as is instead riding on top of water. You will feel the car become slack as though you no longer have control – and in fact in you do not. Your urge may be to break or turn the wheel but this is the opposite of what you want to do. Instead, keep steering straightforward and take your foot off the gas until you feel your car is under control again.
If you have been in a car accident during any conditions, whether wet or dry, then you may need to talk to a personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal options. You can easily reach The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
