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Spooky Roads Ahead As Rain Is Expected For Halloween

driving in rain

Rain! A half-inch to an inch of rain is expected to show up on central and Southern California roads and doorsteps with trick or treaters on Friday.  Fall’s first rain showers are forecast to drop into Southern California this weekend bringing light rain and cooler temperatures, according to the weather service.  When commuting home or making a last-minute candy-run to the grocery store, the Automobile Club of Southern California urges Southland motorists to slow down and allow extra space between vehicles while driving on wet roads and freeways.

 

"It’s been so long since it’s rained that oils have accumulated on the roads so drivers should expect extra slippery pavement which increases crash risk," said Anita Lorz Villagrana, manager of the Auto Club’s Community Programs and Traffic Safety.  “The Auto Club also recommends that motorists pay extra attention to their driving, and be on the lookout for excited children who may be hard to see while they are trick or treating on dark and slick streets.”

 

To avoid crashes, the Auto Club recommends:

 

  • Slow down.  Motorists should drive slowly, particularly through puddles. Driving at slower speeds also helps drivers be prepared for sudden stops due to debris, and other hazards associated with wet-weather driving.

 

  • Keep your distance/Avoid skids.  A car needs two to three times more stopping distance on wet pavement, so allow extra following distance between cars. Sudden braking often leads to skids.  Extra distance provides a buffer zone in case of skids.  If the car skids and control is lost, do not slam on the brakes. Instead apply the brakes with a steady, light but firm pressure. Remember to steer in the direction the car is sliding. When traction is regained, steering control will return. For cars equipped with anti-lock brakes, drivers should apply heavy steady pressure, but not pump the brakes.

 

  • Use center lanes.  When driving during heavy rain, use center lanes of the road (without straddling the yellow line). Avoid outside lanes where water collects at curbside.

 

  • Avoid distractions.  Motorists are advised to avoid eating, drinking, cellular phone use, text-ing, fumbling with CDs or applying makeup while driving, particularly in the rain. If it's necessary to engage in these activities, pull over and stop in a safe place.

 

  • Stay informed.  Tune into radio and television weather reports to know where traffic congestion or crashes might be located. If possible, avoid these areas.

 

  • Watch for potholes.  Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Alert drivers have plenty of time to avoid potholes.  Before swerving around a pothole, be sure to check surrounding traffic to determine if it’s safe to change lanes.

 

  • Maintain a safe speed.  If a pothole cannot be avoided, slow down, if possible. Hitting a pothole at high speed increases the chance of damage to tires, wheels, shocks, struts, springs or suspension components.  High speed also increases the chance of losing control of the vehicle, especially if a series of potholes occurs on a curved or uneven roadway.  When driving over more than one pothole, reduce vehicle speed and hold the steering wheel firmly to avoid losing control.

 

  • Don’t brake directly over a pothole.  Applying brakes causes the car’s weight to shift to the front of the vehicle and can increase damage from the impact.

 

  • Beware of pooled water on the road.  It may be concealing a deep pothole.  “Hitting even one severe pothole could alter the alignment of a wheel from suspension damage resulting in uneven tire wear.  Uneven and premature tire wear means the tire will need to be replaced sooner than necessary and increase fuel consumption at needless expense,” said Mazor.

 

Also, car maintenance needs increase during wet weather. Motorists are advised to follow this checklist from the Auto Club’s Automotive Research Center:

 

  • Check tires.  Make sure tires are in good condition and are at recommended inflation. Driving with bald tires on a slippery surface is a major factor in skidding. Tires should have at least 1/32nd of an inch tread depth at any two adjacent grooves, the minimum allowable by law. Driving on tires that are over inflated or under inflated is also extremely dangerous on wet pavement.

 

  • Check windshield wiper blades.  Streaks or skipping on the windshield are signs of worn wiper blades. Inspect wipers monthly and check washer solvent reservoir to ensure it's full.  Use windshield washer fluid, not water, since it’s formulated to cut through oils that may get splashed on the windshield and won’t harm vehicle paint.

 

  • Check brakes periodically.  After driving through puddles, check that brakes by tapping them gently a few times.

 

  • Use headlights and windshield defroster.  Driving in rain means reduced visibility. The Auto Club recommends that motorists turn on the vehicle's headlights so they can see and be seen. Turning on the defroster helps keep the inside of the windshield clear of moisture.
CST 1016202-80 Copyright © Automobile Club of Southern California. All Rights Reserved.
The Automobile Club of Southern California is a member club affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA) national federation and serves members in the following California counties: Inyo, Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura.