Jan20Written by:Bob Cohen
1/20/2010 5:49 PM 
Yes, it does rain in California. And now that we’re in the middle of a strong weather front, please take extra caution to avoid an accident while driving in the rain.
Here are a few tips that could help you stay safe when driving in wet traffic conditions.
- Give yourself more travel time: Leave early and drive at a slower pace. Anticipate slower traffic and delays due to flooded streets. Power outages may also mean street signals may be out of service. Try to arrive at your destination early, but better to arrive a little late and safe than rush and risk having an auto accident.
- Rain isn’t the only reason the roads are slick: Engine oil, rubber, and grease coat our streets. Mix oil and water and you end up with very slippery roads. Exercise extra caution immediately after rain begins.
3. Brake smart: Start applying your brakes earlier and with less force. Rain increases stopping distances so you always want to give yourself, and the car behind you, extra stopping distance. Also, after you’ve driven through deep water, (when safe to do so), tap on your brake pedal lightly to dry off some of the water that’s collected on your brake rotors.
- Use your turn signals: Be sure to always use your turn signals, but even more so in the rain. It’s a simple thing you can do to let other drivers know what you’re doing and where you’re going and they can be better prepared for your actions.
- Turn on your headlights: Not only will you help increase your visibility, but also your headlights help other drivers know where you are (just like with your turn signals). That being said, don’t use your high beams in the rain or fog as they’ll make it harder for you to see because the light will reflect back at you off the water droplets in the air.
6. Always defog your windows. Turn on both your car’s front and rear defrosters and make sure the air conditioning is turned on.
7. If the weather is really bad, don’t drive: If it really is raining cats and dogs, and you don’t feel safe driving in the rain, don’t. Use this opportunity to go green by taking public transportation.
Robert M. Cohen
Attorney at Law
Attorney Member, Walker & Walker Legal Network at 1-800-THE-LAW2