Winter Still Potential Cause of Oakley Car Wrecks
I’m Ed Smith, an Oakley car accident lawyer. In some areas of California, it’s already starting to warm up. In eastern Contra Costa, however, motorists are getting more rain and less sunshine. The fog has been settling in as well. That is why Oakley Police Chief, Chris Thorsen, recently got out the word about winter driving tips for avoiding car accidents.
Enjoy a Trip to the Mountains with Caution
The most important thing to remember when trying to avoid a crash in and on your way up the mountains is that tires are only going to work when they’re in contact with the road surface. This means that when there is snow, ice or rain these substances get in between the treads and may lead to a potential for hydroplaning. One of the best ways to avoid hydroplaning is to slow down. Allow yourself plenty of extra time to reach your destination.
Know Your Vehicle
A lot of cars and SUVs now come with some form of all-wheel drive which is great news. It can improve traction while you are driving along the roadways. Yet for many, as Chief Thorsen notes, it’s less helpful when one tries to stop. This makes sense when it comes to potential causes of a car accident in Oakley: the torque can be transferred to any of the four wheels. Yet brakes work by STOPPING the wheels.
Driving more cautiously and gently adding inputs, whether it’s pressing on a pedal or turning a steering wheel, will ensure that you are driving safely and reducing a possibility of an accident. Sure, anti-lock brakes will try to keep your wheels from locking up, but nothing beats keeping things gentle.
Lesser Known Things You Can Do
A number of motorists are heading up the mountain because they are getting ready to hit the slopes on skis or snowboards, often with loved ones. That means hauling a lot of gear, and often a lot of people, at a time when it’s critical to keep one’s eyes on the road. In order to limit the possibility of distractions beyond just using one’s cell phone, focus on:
- Securing cargo safely. Checking your rearview mirror too much in order to keep track of gear and cargo is a sure way to keep your eyes off of the road ahead of you and any potential dangers ahead. Knock on each item on the roof to ensure it’s not going to move.
- Keep passengers occupied. Small children can enjoy quiet games or music on the radio if the driver chooses.
The rainy season in Oakley makes for slippery roadways, low lying fog, downed trees and limbs, hydroplaning vehicles and hazardous driving conditions in general. Plan ahead and be safe out there.
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Oakley Auto Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Oakley car accident lawyer. If you have been seriously hurt in an auto accident, please call me at (925) 428-5220 for free, friendly advice. Or, call me toll-free at (800) 404-5400 when calling outside of the Oakley area.
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