Winter months are fast approaching and we'd like to encourage motorists to get their vehicle prepared for rainy weather ahead of time. Staying on top of car maintenance can save a life.
Vehicle safety:
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Make sure your tires have good traction and the pressure is checked.
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Check your headlights, tail lights, brake lights and signal lights to make sure they are all working.
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Make sure your wipers are in good condition and functioning properly.
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Keep an emergency kit in your car. Rain is blamed for thousands of accidents each year.
When the road is wet, especially after a few weeks of dry weather, the film caused by dirt, grease and oil mixes with the rain and causes asphalt to become slick. The rain eventually will wash this away, but the first few hours can be dangerous. Many of these accidents can be prevented by reducing speed and taking extra caution while driving.
Wet weather driving tips:
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Don't text or read email while driving.
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Slow down, this increases your traction, since more of your tire will touch the pavement.
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Turn your headlights on - it is the law in California, when using your windshield wipers in rain, mist, snow or fog.
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Allow more travel time.
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Brake earlier.
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Don’t use cruise control.
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Watch out for pedestrians.
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If it’s raining so hard that you can’t see the road in front of you, pull over and wait it out.
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If you come across deep standing water, STOP! Turn around and go the other direction.
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Keep a safe distance to the vehicles in front of you.
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Defog your windows before you begin to drive.
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If you start to hydroplane, don’t brake suddenly, or turn the wheel. Release the gas pedal slowly and steer straight until you regain traction. If you must use your brakes, tap the brake pedal.
Drive Safe!
