[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Winter finally arrived in Southern California last week. Last Thursday and Friday saw extreme amounts of rain in the Los Angeles area, clearing the air and leaving the mountains snowcapped, but also causing dozens of car accidents on the slick roadways. Driving in wet weather is a skill, one which many Southern Californians have yet to master. While the safest course of action is to simply avoid driving in the rain, the Law Offices of Scott Warmuth understands that this is not always possible. Thus, our accident attorneys are here to provide some tips for driving on wet roads to keep you safe!
Be prepared for the bad weather
If the forecast calls for rain, make sure you're ready to drive, but also that your vehicle is ready to drive too! Check your brakes, windshield wipers, and headlights to make sure they can function properly in the rain.Slow down
Driving slower than you would in normal weather conditions can have enormous benefits. Driving too fast can make it difficult to come to an emergency stop and can lead to hydroplaning. Hydroplaning, where a vehicle is essentially driving on the water on the roadway and not the road itself, can lead to a loss of traction and vehicle control. Slowing down will decrease the risk of hydroplaning and losing control. If you feel like your vehicle is hydroplaning, take your foot off the gas and keep your vehicle's tires aligned with the road.Begin braking earlier
It takes longer for a vehicle to stop on wet roads. If you start to brake earlier, you will not have to brake faster, which can lead to a loss of control in slippery conditions.Give extra space to the vehicle ahead of you
Because it takes longer to brake, you may not be able to come to a stop if you are traveling too closely to a vehicle in front of you that comes to a sudden stop. The extra space gives you more time to stop.Turn on your headlights
It is actually the law. If your windshield wipers are on your headlights must be on. This applies to rain, mist, snow, fog, or other precipitation or atmospheric moisture.But keep your brights off
High beams actually make it more difficult to see in rainy conditions and pose a risk to other drivers. Keep your brights off when it rains.Avoid standing water
You never know what is under the surface. Standing water can hide potholes or debris, which you could crash into. Driving over standing water also increases the risk of hydroplaning.Contact a Car Accident Lawyer if your vehicle is struck in bad weather
The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth can help you seek medical treatment, repair your vehicle, recover lost wages, and more if another driver is not following these guidelines and crashes into your vehicle while driving in bad weather. We offer free consultations at 888-517-9888, so contact us today![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
