Tips for driving in the rain and snow.O
Motorists are urged to take simple steps to ensure their cars are prepared to deal with hazardous wet weather conditions with simple solutions. How you drive in wet weather can have a huge impact on your and others' safety. Being aware of your surroundings and of how the drivers around you are reacting to the weather is key. Give larger vehicles, like trucks and buses, more room for stops and turns. Avoid making sudden turns or lane changes. Ice and Snow...Take It Slow! Traveling by car in wintery weather conditions can be hazardous and scary. Preparation is critical to ensure safe trips. The three P’s of Safe Winter Driving provide tips for safe driving in winter storms: PREPARE for the trip; PROTECT yourself; and PREVENT crashes on the road. Explore the Checklist and Tips for Safe Winter Driving published by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Regardless of the vehicle you drive, slow down for winter driving conditions. Even an SUV with four-wheel drive might be unable to stop or maintain control.
Keep your windshield wipers in tip-top shape. Winter cold can wreak havoc on your blades, so get them checked before rainy seasons arrive.
Threadbare tires are dangerous. Keep your traction at top performance. Maintain relatively new tires with deep tread. Or, get some all-weather tires. This should help if you hydroplane. Get regular brake checks.
Motorists should drive defensively and take precautions when passing vehicles to prevent merging collisions.
Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and others. It takes more time and distance to stop your vehicle on wet roads.
Winter conditions call for different driving tactics slower speed, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking. Remember ice and snow, take it slow! Drive smarter Smart people adjust their strategy around changing conditions. Weather is one of those things. Driving in rain or any inclement weather be careful and pull back: Keep your distance. You never know when the person ahead of you will spin out. Do not tailgate especially in limited visibility.
Slow down. Take corners slower. Be patient. Expect extra traffic. Don’t use cruise control Rainy weather demands full attention. Keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your feet ready for action. If you hydroplane, cruise control can cause you to lose control. And, if you do hydroplane, the lack of traction may cause the cruise control to accelerate.
Angeles Crest Highway is CLOSED at 6,000 ft, post mile 54.22. @CaltransDist7 is trying to clear roadways. Please PULL OVER WHERE SAFE to take pics and carry chains. Check http://Quickmap.dot.ca.gov for latest road updates.
BAD WEATHER CHECKLIST: • Tires with plenty of tread • Windshield wipers in good condition • Washer full of fluid • Gas tank full • Defroster working • Muffler and exhaust in good condition • Antifreeze in radiator CARRY: • Tire chains and tighteners • Flashlight and batteries • Flares • Small shovel • Windshield scraper • Warm, waterproof clothing • Blankets, snacks, and drinking water CALL AHEAD FOR ROAD CONDITIONS California road information from California telephones 1-800-427-7623 (ROAD) California road information from outside California 1-916-445-1534 Nevada road information 1-877-687-6237 Updated weather info also is available on the Internet: www.chp.ca.gov • www.dot.ca.gov In case of an emergency call 911 Lancaster Sheriff Station 661-948-8466 Palmdale Sheriff Station 661-272-2400