Auto Club Reminds Drivers Of Safety Dangers In Heavy Rain

LOS ANGELES- With a tropical system forecast to dump heavy rain over parts of Southern California this weekend, the Auto Club is reminding 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.

“Driving into flooded areas on roads and freeways could damage your vehicle and place you in danger,” said Megan McKernan, manager of the Auto Club’s Automotive Research Center.  “Often, it is hard to tell how deep the water is on the road, so don’t drive into a large water-covered area. Drivers should also watch for debris and disabled vehicles in reduced visibility conditions.”

To avoid crashes, the Auto Club recommends these tips:

Slow down.

Motorists should drive slowly, particularly through puddles. Driving at slower speeds also helps drivers be prepared for sudden stops due to debris, and other hazards associated with wet-weather driving.

Keep your distance/Avoid skids.

A car needs two to three times more stopping distance on wet pavement, so allow extra following distance between cars. Sudden braking often leads to skids.  Extra distance provides a buffer zone in case of skids.  If the car skids and control is lost, do not slam on the brakes. Instead apply the brakes with a steady, light but firm pressure. Remember to steer in the direction the car is sliding. When traction is regained, steering control will return. For cars equipped with anti-lock brakes, drivers should apply heavy steady pressure, but not pump the brakes.

Use center lanes.

When driving during heavy rain, use center lanes of the road (without straddling the yellow line). Avoid outside lanes where water collects at curbside.

Avoid distractions.
Don’t drive while “intexticated” or while performing any other activities that are not focused on safe driving.

Stay informed.
Tune into radio and television weather reports to know where traffic congestion or crashes might be located. If possible, avoid these areas.

Treat inoperable traffic light intersections as four-way stops. 

​The storm could cause power outages affecting traffic lights.

Also, performing vehicle maintenance before driving in wet weather is crucial. Motorists are advised to follow this checklist:

Check tires.
Make sure tires are in good condition and are at the recommended inflation level. Driving with bald tires on a slippery surface is a major factor in skidding. Tires should have at least 1/32nd of an inch tread depth at any two adjacent grooves, the minimum allowable by law. Driving on tires that are over inflated or under-inflated is also extremely dangerous on wet pavement.

Make sure windshield wiper blades are in good condition.
Streaks or skipping on the vehicle’s windshield are signs of worn wiper blades. Inspect wipers once a month and check washer solvent reservoir to ensure it’s full.  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.

Check brakes periodically.
After driving through a puddle, check that brakes are working properly by tapping them gently a few times.

Use headlights and windshield defroster.
Driving in the rain means reduced visibility. The Auto Club recommends that motorists turn on the vehicle’s headlights so they can see and be seen. Turning on the defroster helps keep the inside of the windshield clear of moisture.