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.
Driving in the rain can be difficult, particularly at night. Visibility is limited with continuous rainfall, and adding the dark of night to the mix can make the road treacherous. Your ability to judge distance is impaired, oncoming lights are blurry, and the Pacific Coast Highway is already a dangerous road and should be avoided if possible.
But there are times in Southern California when driving in the rain is unavoidable. Here are a few things you can do to make the experience safer and less stressful:
Check Your Wipers
When driving, you spend the vast majority of your time looking through the windshield, so it’s a good idea to make sure your windshield wipers are functioning properly. Try to replace the wiper blades every six months or so. It’s relatively easy to do yourself, and smartphones come with a calendar or reminder feature that you can set well in advance, notifying you when it’s time to replace the blades. Try not to wait until it is raining to take this step.
Light It Up
Check your headlights, taillights, and blinkers regularly. Your lights are essential to seeing and to being seen on the streets and parking lots. Some cars have sensors that will inform you that your lights need attention, but it is best to check them yourself regardless. How can you check those taillights and brake lights? Ask a friend to watch while you hit those lights and check them out. It’s also a good idea to keep a couple of spare lamps on board, just in case you lose a light or two in the rain.
Repel the Rain
Yes! Water repellent works. You can find it online and in most automotive sections in large stores. It’s only a few dollars, and worth every penny. Be sure to add a new layer to your windshield once a month, or it can smear and cause you problems. But when it’s applied regularly, it can make driving in the rain remarkably easier.
After a Weather-Related Crash, Talk to an Attorney
These are just a few reminders about how relatively low-cost and simple safety measures can help you avoid a devastating accident on the road. Of course, in the event that someone else does not take these precautions and strikes your vehicle—say, you’re in wreck on one of Santa Barbara’s dangerous, winding roads—you should get some legal assistance. Call the vehicle accident lawyers at NordstrandBlack PC at (805) 962-2022 for a free consultation.