As the season of thunderstorms and rainy weather approaches, the accident rate triples, according to the California Highway Patrol, with a peak in rain-related collisions between the months of December and February. Rain-slicked roads often lead to a loss of traction between the tires of a vehicle and the asphalt underneath them, resulting in thousands of accidents every year. Here are some traffic safety guidelines for drivers.After it first rains here, drivers experience a unique situation that only comes from little to no rain for several months: a build-up of dirt and oil along our highways turns the roads into a slippery nightmare.While the recent rains have caused many fender benders, there have been several crashes resulting in injuries, including a major big-rig accident over the grapevine that caused a Sig Alert for several hours. In addition, several multiple-vehicle accidents have caused injuries.Due to the accumulation of water in the peripheral lanes of the highway when it rains heavily, drivers should travel in the center lanes to avoid hydroplaning.Other wet weather driving safety tips include:Check your tires and windshield wipers to be sure you are ready for rainy or winter driving. Wipers should be replaced annually and your tires should be replaced when you start losing traction.Slow down! Increase your following distance during rainy periods. Try to follow the tracks of the car in front of you but never follow a truck; in some cases, the spray created by a truck may reduce your vision through the windshield.If there is too much water on the roadway, you may find yourself hydroplaning. Under such circumstances, avoid turning the wheel or braking. Release the gas pedal slowly and steer straight ahead until the car regains traction again.Brake earlier and with less force than usual. This will not only alert the driver in back of you that you are decelerating but also increase the stopping distance between you and the car in front of you.Turn on your lights. This increases visibility, enabling you to see the road more clearly and other drivers to see you.Be vigilant, as numerous collisions between motor vehicles and pedestrians often occur during stormy weather. People walking with umbrellas are typically distracted during rainy times and may not always hear automobiles over the pounding rain.During the fall and winter wet weather, it is important to slow down and take extra driving safety precautions. During periods of rainy weather, when roads are wet and driving at reduced speeds is required, leave for work or class early to allow for extra travel time.
