[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s no secret that Southern California drivers are not the most adept at driving in the rain.\u00a0 As we enter an El Ni\u00f1o winter season, we could see a lot of rain and a lot of traffic.\u00a0 This first week of December’s weather could become very familiar over the next few months.<\/p>\n
Up to four times as many car accidents occur when it rains in Southern California.\u00a0 If you have to drive, following some wet weather driving tips can help you reach your destination safely.<\/p>\n
Before driving, be prepared<\/strong><\/p>\n Make sure your headlights, windshield wipers, and brakes are working properly.\u00a0 Being rushed in rainy weather can cause an accident, so be sure to plan ahead.\u00a0 Allow extra time to reach your destination.<\/p>\n Slow down<\/strong><\/p>\n It takes more time to slow down when the roads are slippery.\u00a0 Staying at a lower maximum speed can make it easier to stop your car suddenly, making some accidents avoidable.<\/p>\n Begin braking earlier<\/strong><\/p>\n Wet brakes are less effective, causing cars to take longer to come to a stop.\u00a0 Braking sooner than usual will allow for more time for your vehicle to come to a complete stop.\u00a0 Suddenly braking in wet weather can cause a driver to lose control of their car.<\/p>\n Avoid tailgating<\/strong><\/p>\n Travel too closely to a vehicle in wet weather and you may not have the ability to avoid a crash if the car comes to a quick stop.\u00a0 Leaving extra space between vehicles can prevent rear end accident when it’s raining.<\/p>\n Turn on your headlights<\/strong><\/p>\n Headlights provided added visibility to others when it’s raining.\u00a0 It may not help you see other cars in the daytime, but it definitely helps other cars see you.\u00a0 It’s a legal requirement to turn on your headlights if you are using your windshield wipers.<\/p>\n Do not turn on your high beams<\/strong><\/p>\n Using your brights can hurt your visibility and place other drivers in danger.\u00a0 They should not be used in wet weather.<\/p>\n Try to avoid puddles and pooling water<\/strong><\/p>\n Flooding has been known to happen on the freeways during heavy rain storms.\u00a0 If you see a pool of water, be extremely careful, because not only do you not know how deep the water is, you also don’t know what’s hiding in it.\u00a0 Puddles also create a risk of hydroplaning, which causes your tires to not be in contact with the pavement.\u00a0 If you experience hydroplaning, do not use your breaks, but instead decelerate by removing your foot from the gas pedal.\u00a0 You will eventually regain control.\u00a0 Using your breaks while hydroplaning can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.<\/p>\n