The roads and highways in California are notorious for being dangerous, especially during morning rush hour and evening rush hour when the roadways are congested with traffic. The dangers can be magnified in inclement weather conditions, with strong rain and heavy winds making it extremely difficult for motorists to avoid accidents because visibility is reduced. Moreover, hydroplaning across wet surfaces is a real concern for motorists driving in the rain. Your life and the lives of your loved ones could be at risk if you are traveling on the highway and are involved in a multi-vehicle collision.

Although the safest decision you can make when it’s raining outside is to avoid driving altogether, the reality is that you have a life to live and it may not be possible for you to stay off the roads. Whether you need to go to work in the morning, return home from work at night, or pick up the kids from school, you might find yourself driving in the rain. When this happens, there are certain things you can do to minimize the risk of being involved in a serious auto accident. Here are a few safety tips for driving in the rain in California:

Slow Down

Rain-soaked roads can make it tough for you to maintain control of your vehicle. That’s because vehicle tires can ride on top of the layer of water that covers the surface of a road when it’s raining. The best move you can make in these conditions is to slow down and make sure that you are not traveling too fast. You do not want to lose control of your car and crash into another motor vehicle.

Turn on Your Vehicle Lights

Visibility on the roads can be a real problem when it’s raining outside. Not only can it be difficult for you to see ahead of you on the roadway, it can also be tough for other motorists to see your car. That’s why you need to turn on your headlights when it’s raining outside. In fact, the California Vehicle Code requires motorists to turn on their lights anytime it’s raining and windshield wipers are needed.

Don’t Use Cruise Control

When the roads are slick, you should keep both hands on the wheel so that you can steer out of the way of sudden dangers. If your vehicle’s cruise-control feature is turned on, you may not be able to react quickly enough to steer out of the way of a road hazard.

Don’t Tailgate

It’s never a very good idea to drive too closely behind another vehicle, since a sudden stop by the car in front of you could make it almost impossible to avoid a rear-end collision. The likelihood of a serious rear-end accident is increased when it’s raining, so give yourself additional reaction time in these conditions.

Check Weather Reports

Knowing about inclement weather conditions prior to hitting the road can make all the difference when it comes to avoiding a serious car accident. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to wait for the weather to improve before traveling.

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a car accident on a Los Angeles highway or road, you need to speak with a qualified personal injury and auto accident lawyer. At The Paris Firm, we can help. Contact The Paris Firm now to schedule a free initial consultation.