Turning on the defroster helps keep the inside of the windshield clear of moisture. The Auto Club recommends that motorists turn on the vehicle's headlights so they can see and be seen. Use headlights and windshield defroster.ĭriving in the rain means reduced visibility.Use windshield washer fluid, and not water, since it is formulated to cut through oils that may get splashed on the windshield and will not harm paint.Īfter driving through a puddle, check that brakes are working properly by tapping them gently a few times. Inspect wipers once a month and check washer solvent reservoir to ensure it's full. Streaks or skipping on the vehicle's windshield are signs of worn wiper blades. Make sure windshield wiper blades are in good condition.Driving on tires that are over inflated or under-inflated is also extremely dangerous on wet pavement. Tires should have at least 1/32nd of an inch tread depth at any two adjacent grooves, the minimum allowable by law. Driving with bald tires on a slippery surface is a major factor in skidding. Make sure tires are in good condition and are at the recommended inflation level. Motorists are advised to follow this checklist: The storm could cause power outages affecting traffic lights.Īlso, car maintenance needs increase during wet weather. Treat inoperable traffic light intersections as four-way stops.Tune into radio and television weather reports to know where traffic congestion or crashes might be located. Avoid outside lanes where water collects at curbside.ĭon’t drive while “intexticated” or while performing any other activities that are not focused on safe driving. When driving during heavy rain, use center lanes of the road (without straddling the yellow line).
When driving in heavy rain drivers should use drivers#
For cars equipped with anti-lock brakes, drivers should apply heavy steady pressure, but not pump the brakes. When traction is regained, steering control will return. Remember to steer in the direction the car is sliding. Instead apply the brakes with a steady, light but firm pressure. If the car skids and control is lost, do not slam on the brakes. Extra distance provides a buffer zone in case of skids. Driving at slower speeds also helps drivers be prepared for sudden stops due to debris, and other hazards associated with wet-weather driving.Ī car needs two to three times more stopping distance on wet pavement, so allow extra following distance between cars.
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Motorists should drive slowly, particularly through puddles. To avoid crashes, the Auto Club recommends: "Drivers should also watch for debris and disabled vehicles in reduced visibility conditions.”
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"Those who must drive should watch for flooded areas on roads and on the freeways," said Megan McKernan, manager of the Auto Club’s Automotive Research Center. The Automobile Club of Southern California is reminding Southland motorists to slow down and allow more space between vehicles while driving on slick roads and freeways, and to stay off the roads during the heavy rain if possible. The “atmospheric river” conditions that flooded Northern California streets and knocked out power to thousands are now moving over Southern California.