The rains have kept coming and already, a number of Orange County, California car crashes have occurred where poor weather and road conditions played contributing factors. That said, our Anaheim injury lawyers want to remind motorists that heavy rains and poor visibility won't exempt them from liability should negligence, carelessness, or driver error cause them to be involved in a motor vehicle collision where someone ends up dying or getting hurt.
Here are a Number of Safety Tips for Driving Through the Rain (Sources include AAA and SMartMotorist.com):
• Drive a reduced speed. Cars need three more space and more time to stop when the roads are slippery.
• Keep a six to eight second distance from the auto in front of you.
• Drive with your headlights on so others can see you.
• Pay attention to the road and traffic.
• Don't talk on the cell phone or text message.
• Keep both hands on the steering wheel.
• Don't drive when drunk.
• Don't step on the brakes if your auto starts to skid. Instead, ease off the accelerator.
• Don't accelerate when driving through standing water or you may end up hydroplaning.
• If you can, stay in the middle lanes where water is less likely to pool.
• Stay in the tracks of the vehicle in front of you.
• Don't assume that other drivers can see you--especially when the weather is poor.
• Don't drive when drowsy.
• If you aren't comfortable driving in the rain, avoid doing so.
• Don't lose your temper on the road. Remember that everyone is just trying to safely arrive at their destination and is also dealing with the same delays and frustrations.
• Make sure that the your windshield wipers are in proper working condition.
• If you can't see the ground, avoid driving through moving water.
• Avoid driving through a puddle where the height of the water goes above the bottom of your car's doors.
No one wants to start or finish the year with an Orange County, California accident, but sometimes this ends up being the case. Do not hesitate to contact our Anaheim car accident law firm to start exploring your legal options. The sooner you do this, the better.
Wet roads: Slow down or this could be you, OC Register, December 29, 2010
Tips For Driving In Rain, SmartMotorist
Related Web Resources:
Orange County Traffic Map, SigAlert
