Full Notification

With the start of the Holiday Season and predictions of a wet winter, the Torrance Police Department would like to remind drivers to be prepared for inclement weather. The Holiday Season means travel and celebration for a large number of people. The City of Torrance is a shopping and entertainment destination during this time of year and the city often sees an increase in traffic related issues. It is easy to be distracted and feel rushed when shopping and preparing for long trips and celebrations.

Help to keep yourself and the roadways safe with the following precautions:

• Maintain your vehicle. Before it starts to rain, replace old or brittle windshield wipers. Make sure your brakes, heater and defroster is in good condition. Check your tires, and make sure they are properly inflated and the tread is in good condition.
• Plan your route, check the weather and give yourself extra time.
• Maintain proper following distance (3 second rule).  In rain or other inclement weather, give yourself extra distance when following other vehicles and slow down.
• Remain alert. Constantly scan the road for brake lights in front of you. When you need to stop or slow down in wet conditions, don’t brake hard.  If possible, take your foot off the accelerator to slow down and maintain steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Wear your seatbelt, every time. Make sure you and all your passengers are properly secured with children in properly secured child safety seats. This is the best way to prevent injury and death in a traffic collision.
• If it’s raining, keep your vehicle towards the middle lanes, as water tends to pool in outside lanes.
• Don’t drive with your windows frosted or fogged up.  Wait until they clear before driving.  A quick way to de-fog your windows is to open a window to let cool air in.
• Turn your headlights on in rainy, gloomy, foggy, or overcast conditions to help you see the road, but just as importantly it will help others see you. Use your low beam when driving in foggy conditions.
• Avoid distractions by silencing or turning off your cell phone while driving.
• Do not drink and drive. Make arrangements for a safe ride home, or designate a driver before you start drinking.

The men and women of the Torrance Police Department would like to wish everyone a wonderful and safe Holiday Season.