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Car Insurance: You Should Have More than Minimum Coverage
Nothing is going to make car insurance sexy or appealing, but it’s something that is very important to understand and think about. Although California has minimum coverage limits required by law, they are actually quite low and offer you very little real protection. You can easily find yourself on the hook for a lot of money after a serious accident, and if the other driver doesn’t have insurance, then the mess you find yourself in is even worse. It can be tempting to just pay the minimum amount, but that leaves you open to major problems down the road.
Santa Barbara’s Pothole Problem
Whether you’re in a car, on a motorcycle, biking around town, or just enjoying the weather as a pedestrian, potholes are a serious nuisance. Not just because they look bad and make roads uneven, but because they can do major damage to vehicles and anyone else using the road. While the city has a responsibility to repair potholes within a reasonable amount of time, you might wonder if they have other responsibilities when it comes to these hazards.
Be Prepared for a Car Fire in Santa Barbara
Imagine yourself driving, enjoying the open roads around Santa Barbara; you feel stress slip off your shoulders. Unexpectedly, black smoke begins to roll out from under your hood. Your car is on fire and you’re in the middle of the freeway. How did this happen? What do you do?
Tips for Driving in the Rain
Winter in Santa Barbara doesn’t see snowfall, but does see a fair bit of rain. While we celebrate the rain for its life-giving properties, we do have to be more careful out on the road. Since the recent fires, mudslides are a dangerous possibility, and our law firm urges you to take all possible precautions.
Maintain Your Car to Keep It on the Road
If we are being honest, part of the joy of living in Southern California is being able to hit the road and head to the beach, or to just enjoy the wind in your hair. But to keep the good times “rolling,” it is vital to make sure your car is properly maintained and kept in good condition.
The PCH: One of the Deadliest Roads in America?
The scenic vistas that can be viewed from the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) are among the most beautiful anywhere in the world. Visitors flock from all over the country and from beyond our nation’s borders to see the view from the PCH. However, in poor conditions it can be among the most dangerous roads in California, including where it passes through Santa Barbara.
Drive Safely: Look for Poor Road Design and Conditions
Driving safely does not just mean maintaining control of your vehicle and traveling at reasonable speeds. It also means remaining aware of road conditions that can put you at risk. One of the best ways to avoid accidents is through defensive driving, which means you need to remain aware of your surroundings, anticipate potential dangers, and act responsibly to stay safe.
Tips to Stay Safe on Wet Roads
Driving in rainy and wet conditions is far more dangerous than many California drivers appreciate. We are not accustomed to driving in the rain. People often fail to show the proper caution in inclement weather, which leads to collisions.
By keeping a few simple tips in mind, you can greatly reduce your chances of striking another vehicle on the road. Driving defensively is always a good idea, but when the roads are slippery, it becomes even more important. Remember to:
Do You Know the Dangers of Dehydration (and Driving)?
While the dangers of driving under the effects of alcohol or sleep deprivation are well documented and publicized, there is another risk factor that is rarely talked about: dehydration.
Be Careful When Driving Around Santa Barbara
Driving anywhere in California presents numerous dangers, though Santa Barbara offers some specific risks that you should keep in mind. Be especially careful when driving on many of the narrow and steep roads that traverse the mountainsides and hills around the area. In particular, watch out for “Painted Cave Road” as the lack of guardrails and frequent use by cyclists can make it especially dangerous.