Top 5 tips for rainy weather driving safety

Once again, April showers have made their way to San Francisco. While the wet weather does wonders in bringing those May flowers to life, it can present safety risks for Bay Area drivers.

Rainstorms, especially big ones, have the propensity to create slippery roads, low-visibility conditions and other hazards that could lead to San Francisco motor vehicle accidents. As such, it’s important for drivers to put extra focus on safety when heading out in inclement weather.

The California Highway Patrol recommends that drivers keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Slow down and allow more time to get to your destination. In slippery conditions, driving under the posted speed limit is sometimes the safest move.
• Before the rain comes, check to make sure your windshield wipers are in good working condition. Replacing your wipers is cheap; getting in an accident because you can’t see is not.
• Always turn your headlights on in rainy weather.
• In foggy conditions, drive with your low beam headlights on. Don’t pull over on the side of the highway unless there’s an emergency; other drivers might not be able to see you stopped.
• Keep a safety kit in the trunk of your car in case you get stranded. CHP recommends carrying warm, waterproof clothing, a flashlight and extra batteries, a small shovel, a windshield scraper, blankets, snacks and plenty of fresh drinking water.

Further, keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists. In a rainstorm, many people are rushing around and may not look to see if a car is coming before dashing across the street.

Source: KMPH, “Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain,” April 11, 2012.