Highway Patrol Offers Tips on Driving in the Rain

As of late Wednesday, the California Highway Patrol expected all Orange County roads to be open this morning. But officers advise checking traffic reports on local radio or television stations before the morning commute. Or, telephone the CHP weather and road condition hot line at (714) 972-9980.

If heavy rain persists today, CHP officials offer these “do’s” and “don’ts”:

Make sure brakes, windshield wipers, headlights and tail lights work properly.

Tire tread should exceed 1/16th of an inch. One-fourth of an inch is optimum to ensure traction on slick pavement.

Drive with low beams on during wet weather to ensure other drivers can see you.

Follow the car ahead at a safe distance. One car length for each 10 m.p.h. is recommended in dry weather. More is needed for adequate braking distance in rain.

Drive no faster than is safe for road conditions.

Know the limitations of you and your car when driving in bad weather.

Drive slowly through flooded areas. Traveling too fast through deep water can cause a car to spin out of control and into an embankment or center divider.

Avoid driving between two trucks. Spray from truck tires can impair visibility, particularly at critical moments.

Avoid sudden lane changes and signal your intentions well in advance. Remember that visibility may be impaired in cars behind you.

Prepare for freeway exits well in advance, and merge gradually to the right.

Keep the car radio on for traffic alerts.

Source: California Highway Patrol