We’ve all heard the jokes about how nobody can drive in the rain, but the truth is, they’re more than jokes. Nearly 50% of weather-related crashes occur during rainfall, and about 70% of them are because of wet pavement from previous rains. If you don’t want to find yourself needing a traffic ticket attorney Long Beach or traffic ticket attorney Bay Area, follow these guidelines for driving in the rain.
Ensure Your Car Is Weather-Ready
One of the biggest reasons people have traffic accidents in rain is because their vehicles aren’t prepared for inclement weather. Before driving in the rain, double-check that your headlights and tail lights work properly. It’s also helpful to replace your windshield wipers and to ensure you have strong treads on your tires to create the proper traction.
Go the Speed Limit
Maybe you know the roads well and are used to going a few miles per hour above the speed limit but doing so in rainy weather could cause you to have an accident. When the roads are wet, you should driver slower than you normally would to avoid hydroplaning on wet surfaces or not having enough time to stop when necessary. Of course, it is important to adhere to the speed limit in good weather as well if you want to avoid a speeding ticket.
Use Proper Ventilation
Rainy weather causes a rise in humidity outside, which can create foggy windows inside your vehicle. When driving in the rain, it is important to use proper ventilation in the car, either via the heater or by keeping windows cracked to prevent fog. If it becomes too foggy for you to see, make sure you pull over and wait until the rain passes.
By learning how to drive properly in the rain, you can keep yourself and others on the road safe. Unfortunately, accidents do still happen. If you find yourself with a court date related to an accident, contact a traffic ticket lawyer Sacramento.