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Driving in the Rain in LA? What You Need to Know!

Many cars driving on a freeway, while it is raining

As you know, we don’t get much rain in Southern California, but when we do, it usually causes havoc on our roadways.

With rain and wet pavement in Los Angeles, there’s always an increase in car accidents! Some of the reasons for the spike in accidents are that Angelenos are not accustomed to driving in the rain; dust, oil and other particles build up on the roadways making them slick and dangerous. The result: Vehicle crashes and injuries.

The lawyers at Bailey & Partners, a personal injury law firm, know how to handle these auto accident cases. Suffering from a severe injury can cause lifelong trauma not only to the injured party but to their family as well. Loss of employment, permanent brain injuries and rehabilitation costs are just some of the injuries that can result from car accidents.

How do we lessen our risk of a motor vehicle accident?

Slow down

Reducing your speed gives you more time to react to roadway and traffic conditions. If something is in the road or there is a car stopped ahead of you, moving at a slower speed gives you more time to respond. Slowing down also helps prevent you from skidding, hydroplaning or losing control of your vehicle.

Don’t tailgate

Leave enough space between you and the car in front of you so that you can stop suddenly. In fact, multiple car pileups are very common in bad weather conditions. Case in point, on February 11, 2021, there was a 100 car pileup in Texas where weather played a key role.

Time laps of headlights on a freeway at night

Turn on your headlights

Always check to see if your headlights are on and working when it is raining. Some cars have settings where the lights will turn on automatically, but in some cars you have to manually turn them on. Regardless – check to see if your car’s lights are functioning properly. Low beam is better in the rain or fog because of the reflection that can occur with a high beam.

Check your windshield wipers

Wipers are essential in the rain! Check to see if your wiper blades are in good condition and that your windshield wipers are working. If it is raining hard, have the wipers move faster so you have the best visibility possible. If it is sprinkling rain, you can have the wiper on in intermittent intervals.

Looking out a fogged up car window onto a rainy road

Using the Defroster

The defroster helps keep your windshield and windows from fogging up. Don’t try to drive when you can’t see. Defrosters when working properly do not take much time to make your windshield clear which will increase visibility.

Make sure your tires have good tread

A good way to test your tire tread is to place a penny in the tread of the tire and point Lincoln’s head down into the tread. If the top of his head disappears into the tread, you are likely still above 2/32. If you can see his entire head, you should look into replacing your tires.

Do not drive through standing water

Don’t risk driving through standing water. You can get stuck, hydroplane, stall your engine or get carried away if there is a strong current.

Raindrops falling into a large puddle

Put down your cell phone

Focus on the road and the obstacles around you.

Finally, if the worst happens, and you do have an accident – call Bailey & Partners so you have strength and experience on your side when you need it! Our auto accident attorneys stand ready to support you!

Contact us for a FREE complimentary case evaluation:

For more information about driving safely in the rain, read this article or review the California Driver Handbook!



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