Hey Califoirnians: Rainy Weather is Here; Slow Down and Drive Cautiously

LOS ANGELES--Feb. 1, 20048, 2004--As a couple of winter rain storms slide into Southern California this week, motorists can expect that slippery roads, traffic slowdowns and decreased visibility will make driving hazardous even at moderate speeds, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

"Rainy weather causes congestion, and congestion causes tempers to flare," said Auto Club traffic safety expert Arline Dillman. "When commuting in the rain, motorists should anticipate congestion and try not to become too frustrated which leads to aggressive driving."

The Auto Club offers motorists the following rainy weather driving tips to help them travel safely:

-- Allow extra following distance between vehicles. A car needs two-to-three times more stopping distance on wet pavement, so allow extra distance, drive slowly and give yourself extra time to arrive at your destination.

-- Check that tires are in good condition and properly inflated. Driving with smooth tires on a slippery road is a major factor in skidding. Tires should have at least 1/32nd of an inch tread depth at any two adjacent grooves, the minimum allowable by law. If a tire tread is at this minimum level when wet weather is approaching, the Auto Club recommends replacing the tire. Driving on over-inflated or under-inflated tires is also extremely dangerous.

-- Make sure the windshield wipers are in good condition. Streaks or skipping on the vehicle's windshield are signs of worn wiper blades. Inspect the vehicle's wipers monthly and check that the washer solvent reservoir is full.

-- Maintain control of your vehicle. It's frightening and dangerous to lose control of a vehicle and slide into a skid. Do not slam on the brakes. Instead, apply a steady, light but firm pressure. When traction is regained, steering control will return. If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system, the opposite advice applies. With anti-lock brakes, a driver should apply heavy steady pressure to the brakes, which allows the braking system to function properly.

-- Drive in the center lanes. When driving during heavy rain, use center lanes of the road (without straddling the yellow line). Avoid outside lanes where water collects at curbside.

-- Drive slowly and steadily through a puddle. Any sudden changes in speed or driving too fast through puddles may push or splash water into the engine and stall it.

-- Check brakes periodically. Driving though puddles may get the brakes wet. After driving through a puddle, and when it's safe to do so, check the brakes by tapping the brake pedal a few times.

-- Use headlights and windshield defroster. Visibility is a serious problem when driving in the rain. The Auto Club recommends that motorists turn on the vehicle's headlights so they can see and be seen, and run the defroster to keep the inside of the windshield clear.

-- Stay informed. Listen to radio and television weather reports to know where flood warning areas or traffic congestion might be located. If possible, avoid these areas.

-- Read your owner's manual. With so many vehicles coming equipped with modern electronics, the Auto Club recommends reviewing your vehicle's owner's manual to check for any special steps you should take in poor weather conditions.

The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest AAA affiliate, has served members since 1900. Today, Auto Club members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services and automotive pricing, buying and financing programs. Information about these products and services is available at www.aaa-calif.com.