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.
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