Safety Tip of the Week - January 10, 2017 - Adjust Your Speed in Inclement Weather, Turn on Headlights

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Winter is making its mark in many areas of California!  What better time to review the California Department of Motor Vehicles Driver Handbook?   Great rules of the road for rain, snow, ice and high winds.  

“We also want to remind drivers, if they are using their windshield wipers they must turn on their headlights,” said CSLEA Foundation Chairman Kenny Ehrman.  “It doesn’t matter if it isn’t dark out.  Headlights are necessary for other drivers to see you, especially given the splashing that takes place on the interstate.  Play it safe, slow down, be comfortable with your speed and the time it will take you to react to hazards.”

FROM THE California DMV Handbook:


Water on the Road

Slow down when there is a lot of water on the road. In a heavy rain at speeds of 50 mph or more, your tires can lose all contact with the road and then your vehicle will be riding on water or “hydroplaning.” A slight change of direction or a gust of wind could throw your vehicle into a skid. If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, slow down gradually—do not apply the brakes.

Slippery Roads

Slow down at the first sign of rain, especially after a dry spell. This is when many roads are the most slippery, because oil and dust have not washed away. A slippery road will not give your tires the grip they need. Drive more slowly than you would on a dry road. Adjust your speed as follows:

  • Wet road–go 5 to 10 mph slower.
  • Packed snow–reduce your speed by half.
  • Ice–slow to a crawl.

Some road surfaces are more slippery than others when wet and usually have warning signs posted. Here are some clues to help you spot slippery roads:

  • On cold, wet days, shade from trees or buildings can hide spots of ice. These areas freeze first and dry out last.
  • Bridges and overpasses tend to freeze before the rest of the road does. They can hide spots of ice.
  • If it starts to rain on a hot day, the pavement can be very slippery for the first several minutes. Heat causes oil in the asphalt to come to the surface. The oil makes the road slippery until the rain washes the oil off the surface of the road.

High Winds

High winds can be a hazard while driving, especially to larger vehicles, trucks, campers, and vehicles with trailers. Some precautions for driving in high winds include:

  • Reduce your speed. Slowing down gives you better control over the vehicle and will give you more time to react in the event your vehicle gets hit by a strong gust of wind.
  • Maintain a firm hand position on the steering wheel. Strong wind gusts are unpredictable, and if you are not holding the wheel properly, gusts can be strong enough to cause the steering wheel to be jerked out of your hands.
  • Be alert. Look well ahead and watch for any debris on the road. High winds can cause debris to litter the highway or can even throw debris directly into your path. By looking ahead you give yourself more time to react to road hazards.
  • Do not use cruise control. You can maintain maximum control of the gas pedal when unpredictable gusts of wind occur.
  • Be proactive. Wait for the storm to blow over. It may be safer to pull over and take a break.

Source: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/hdbk/driving_in