Holiday Driving Safety Tips

Tips for the holidays in Menifee, Temecula, and surrounding areas:

The long-awaited holiday is finally here and driving in Southern California can be dangerous. Every driver needs to know driving safety tips as we get through this wonderful time of year. As we dive into the vacation mood, most people will be taking road trips. Southern California is known for its mild seasons. Driving safety on the roads is so important.  When weather arrives it can cause many inexperienced drivers to cause accidents. Wet pavements and bad weather resulted in an estimated 1.2 million crashes annually. This is why it is paramount for you do proper planning and follow driving safety guidelines before you take that driver’s seat. In case this poor weather, wet roads, and mudslides find you behind the wheel, below are some safe driving tips to guide you.

Southern California Holiday Driving Tips

Abstain from using cruise control on wet roads in Southern California
While cruise control is an excellent feature, it is exclusively designed for use in dry season. When used in wet conditions, you risk losing the control of your car. You can improve traction on a slippery surface by lifting off the accelerator to lower your speed, but this won’t be possible if your cruise control is engaged. Disengage cruise control to help improve your safety in case of an emergency.

Maintain and inspect your car properly

Safety starts with you and your vehicle. Inspect your vehicle and ensure that it is safe. From the tires and brakes to lights and windshield. Tires should be inflated properly, with the right tire tread depth, (you will get better traction on wet roads).

Tip: Consider a tread depth with a quarter inverted into the tire groove.

• Windshield wipers that leave streaks should be replaced. Wipers should leave the clean glass in every wipe.
• Taillights, headlights, signals and brake lights should function adequately so that other drivers will see and notice you in stormy or foggy weather.
• Slow down and keep a distance from the car in front of you.

Hydroplaning is a rampant problem during wet weather in southern California. To avoid it, consider slowing down your car when necessary (wet roads, foggy conditions, heavy traffic). Remember, that your car tires will be displacing a gallon of water every second on a one-twelfth inch deep water for it to come into contact with the road surface. To keep up with this, consider lowering your driving speed. Even a low rate of 35mph can make your new car tires lose contact with the road surface. Abstain from hard braking and sharp U-turns. Driving on the tracks of other vehicles is also dangerous on a road with poor visibility. Keep distance from other cars for ample stopping space.

Know how to respond to a skid while Driving Safely.

Skids are common during wet weather in Southern California. You can experience a skid regardless of how keen you might be. If such an incident happens, don’t panic. Just continue steering the car towards the direction it wants to go. Don’t slam on the brakes because it can make your vehicle to lose balance, rendering making it difficult to control. Front wheels can skid if you drive at a high rate of speed around a corner and this can make your steering difficult. When rear wheels stop slipping, continue steering till your car stops but don’t over-steer.

Purchase roadside Assistance from AAA! One of the best investments you can make for yourself is to have a roadside assistance plan.  AAA has reasonable rates.  West Tow of Menifee is certified through AAA and will be there to assist you if you do find yourself in a dangerous situation.