Especially in areas like LA, where rainfall is not as popular an occurrence, drivers can seem to lose their minds as soon as the first drop hits the pavement. Every year, an estimated 21% of all crashes are related to weather conditions. You need to keep yourself and your family safe on the road, no matter the forecast.
Let’s look at some tips for staying secure when it’s raining and you’re driving.
Look out for the daily forecast, especially if it is a time of year when rain can come about. Check for any flooding or storm warnings, and look to see if any areas are closed down. If there is a detour or some closed exits, it could pay off to know that before you start driving. Changing your route last minute can create stress and lead to bad driving decisions.
Make sure you check your brakes every 6 months, or as directed by your manufacturer or your mechanic. If you have any slipping on the road, or hear any strange sounds when you apply the brakes, that is another reason to see a professional. Getting your brakes fixed can sometimes be as simple as getting a few replacement parts, so don’t be afraid you will need a full replacement. Waiting on your brakes never pays off.
It is a good idea to understand all the exits, shoulders and emergency rest areas on your way to work everyday. This is a good idea for any route you take often. If there is some kind of flooding, or you do find yourself in trouble, it is good to know where you can go to safely stop your car. You will also want to know where any hospitals or police stations are located, as well.
Getting your car’s oil checked every 3,000 miles, or every 3 months, is a great way to know how everything is working. Try to have a mechanic you trust, this way they can let you know if anything else needs attention.
You will also want your wipers and headlights in proper working order, as this can make a huge difference for how you fare in the rain. The same goes for your defroster. You don’t want to be contending against a foggy windshield while you’re on the road.
If the worst happens, and you do find yourself in an accident from the rain, you should still complete all the steps you normally would. This includes calling the police, an ambulance and a lawyer in the event of a crash. Take pictures and collect information from the other driver, and from any witnesses. This is a reason to have your phone with a full battery, and to have a charger or two as well. Let people know where you are going, especially if no one is directly expecting you at your destination.
blogs
Top 5 Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
A vehicle hitting a pedestrian can be termed one of the most traumatic accidents one could ever experience. Yet, it happens so regularly. According to the CDC, over 5,000 pedestrians die in car accidents annually, while an estimated 137,000 others visit the ER for non-fatal accidents. This makes one wonder, what spurs pedestrian accidents? Read […]
Four Medical Alert and Slip and Fall Apps
Slip and fall accidents are unfortunately rather common in the US. The part that many people often miss when discussing slip and fall accidents, though, is that it is not just the elderly who suffer from them. Anyone of any age can have an accident, and people of all walks of life may have chronic […]
Winter Bicycle Riding Tips
With cold winds in your face and slick surfaces to navigate, the winter is not the ideal to ride on your typical bicycle. Many of us use a bike as our regular transportation, and some of us have our bikes tricked out for winter riding, as well. In order to make the most of your […]
Holiday Travel Safety
As we get into the holiday season, it’s a good time to think of some relaxing times spent at home with loved ones. Having a nice meal, meeting new spouses and grandchildren, or just coming together finally after a long time apart- it is a period of joy and togetherness. For these reasons and more, […]
Five Safety Products for Motorcycle Riders
Approximately ten percent of motor vehicle deaths in the United States can be attributed to motorcycleaccidents. Safe riding and defensive driving are important to all motor vehicle operations, of course, but making sure you’re stocked up on the right equipment to make your ride as safe as possible is critical to avoiding accidents or, in […]
California Lemon Laws: How Exactly Do They Work?
Buying a car in California, whether brand new or slightly used is always an exciting experience. Even if you already have a few in your garage, the thought of painting the town red in a new ride is nothing but thrilling. So, it can be incredibly disappointing if your new or used car keeps on […]
How Much is a Slip and Fall Claim Settlement Worth?
When filing a slip and fall claim, you might want to consider the amount of compensation. While there’s no defined amount of settlement, a successful claim should adequately compensate you for physical, emotional, and monetary loss. Hiring an experienced lawyer is critical to getting adequate compensation for a valid claim. The article explains the factors […]
Bike Maintenence Checklist
For those of us who bike to work, it’s clear that riding around is more than a hobby. Biking is something that can improve your mental and physical health. It can become a way of life, because to do it right takes commitment. You need to learn the best and fastest bike routes, have all […]
What You Need to Know about Pain and Suffering in a Personal Injury Case
After a personal injury, you’re typically entitled to claim compensation for two types of damages; economic and non-economic. Economic damages are usually easy to quantify, and commonly include medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages on the other hand are difficult to measure, and often include pain and suffering. But what exactly is pain and […]
Five Helpful Facts and Tips About Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles are specialist machines. They require their own licenses, training and a specific discipline for driving safely. Learning to drive defensively on a motorcycle can be more difficult than doing so in an automobile. Each year, there are 2,907 total motorcycle crashes, 2,274 of which result in injuries and 156 of which result in some […]
contact form
