California is not exactly known for its many wet days, but that does not mean that drivers do not have to know how to drive in dangerous weather. While most people think of pouring down rain as dangerous, the truth is that rain that starts out of nowhere, even if it is not raining hard, can sometimes be the most dangerous. Continue reading if you would like tips on preventing hydroplaning, and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you are involved in a car accident in which someone else was at fault.
Check Your Tires
The best thing you can do to prevent hydroplaning – and many other weather-related accidents – is to check your tires. Make sure they are inflated properly all year round. If they have low tread, a slow leak, or other damage, then they should be replaced. You should also rotate them and have them serviced as the manufacturer recommends.
Slow Down
Once again, no matter what the weather issue is, one of the best things you can do to reduce your chance of an accident is to slow down when the roads are wet. When you are driving fast, not only does it take you longer to stop in the event of an emergency, but your tires cannot appropriately wick water away from the vehicle.
Drive Around Puddles and Standing Water
There are a few reasons that you should drive around puddles and standing water if possible. First, you might not realize how much water there is. If potholes or other dangerous elements are present, they can be easily hidden by puddles or standing water. Drive around them. Second, driving through a puddle can cause water to spray in either direction of your vehicle, which could cause hydroplaning.
Never Use Cruise Control on Wet Pavement
If the pavement is wet, then you should be driving manually – not using the cruise control. You need to be in total control of the speed at all times. If you are dealing with a wet patch and your cruise control causes your vehicle to accelerate, you could be in danger.
Be Careful How You Brake
When the pavement is wet, you should not brake hard or suddenly. Doing so can result in your car veering out of control. If you see a hazard, slowly and evenly hit the brakes. Even if you cannot prevent an accident, you can slow down your vehicle so that the chance of catastrophic injury is reduced. The sooner you can start slowly braking, the better your chances will be that you can stop in time.
If you have been involved in a car accident on wet pavement that was caused by someone else acting negligently, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
