Tips for Driving In The Rain
The climate zones in El Dorado County have significantly diverse weather conditions depending on the elevation. The elevation starts at about 700 feet near El Dorado Hills and about 10,891 feet near the Sierra Nevada Mountains. You will see a significant difference in climate and rainfall amounts with each elevation step of 500 feet. For instance, El Dorado Hills sees an average of about 25 inches of rain a year, while Cameron Park gets about 30 inches. Placerville receives nearly 39 inches, with Camino seeing over 45 inches of rain.
Driving in Rainy Conditions
Although driving in the rain is common to many motorists, some people find it challenging when they are not used to it. Rainy conditions are a direct result of higher accident rates. Wet roads can be dangerous, causing hydroplaning and skids. It can be difficult to be in control of your vehicle when the roads are wet. Knowing how to handle your car during the rainy season will help you drive safely.
Wait for Better Weather
If driving in the rain makes you feel uncomfortable, consider postponing your trip and waiting until the weather improves. If it’s not necessary to drive in wet conditions, there is no reason to put yourself in danger.
Check Your Vehicle’s Equipment
Before you start driving in rainy weather, check your windshield wipers, headlights, and taillights to ensure that they are in good working condition. You should also check the tread of your car’s tires. Bald tires can drastically reduce traction on wet roads.
Reduce Your Speed
Not only should you follow the posted speed limit, but you should drive considerably slower than usual on wet roads. Speeding on wet roadways is hazardous. Your car’s reaction time is a lot slower when it’s raining.
Use Your Headlights
It’s essential to turn on your headlights while driving in the rain. Having your headlights on will increase your visibility and allow other drivers to see you on the road.
Keep a Safe Distance
It’s important to keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you on the road. However, during wet conditions, you should keep a greater distance. If you follow too close, stopping your car will be more difficult in the rain. Try to keep a safe distance of two car lengths between you and other vehicles.
Watch Out for Standing Water
Hydroplaning can occur when you lose traction and skid across the surface of the road. To avoid that, don’t drive through standing water. Instead, drive around the area by steering around the water or changing lanes.
Let Off The Gas When Hydroplaning
If your vehicle hydroplanes, slowly take your foot off the gas and go in the direction your car is heading. Don’t slam on your brakes or make any sudden turns.
Ventilate Your Car
Since rain causes humidity levels to increase, your car’s interior windows can get foggy. Most vehicles have a ventilation system that reduces the fog that occurs on your windshield and window. If you can no longer see through your windows, it may be necessary to pull over.
Staying safe while driving in the rain is manageable if you follow these safety precautions. Keep in mind that turning on your headlights and reducing your speed are the two most effective ways to avoid an accident caused by wet weather.
Watch YouTube Video: 8 Driving Tips to Drive in Fog, Rain, or a Storm. The video below provides more tips on how to drive safely in all wet weather conditions.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Auburn Lake Trails, CA
I’m Ed Smith, an Auburn Trails personal injury lawyer. If you or someone you love has suffered severe injuries in an accident in El Dorado County, give our legal team a call today at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 or for free, friendly advice.
Our law firm has helped residents of Auburn Lake Trails and surrounding communities with personal injury and wrongful death cases since 1982.
Our injury attorneys are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
See our past verdicts and settlements and our reviews on Avvo, Yelp, Google.
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