Big Trouble In California -Storm Slams Into The Coast And Dumps 1/10 of an inch of Rain...The Sky Is Falling! The Sky Is Falling! AAA Warns Drivers
SAN FRANCISCO--Oct. 30, 2001--In what must be a California first Rain actually had the nerve to fall on the ground causing unbelievable hardships on the Sunny Californians.AAA urges motorists
to drive with caution as the rainy season and dark winter months once
again challenge California drivers.
"The highest number of weather-related injuries and fatalities
occur during the wet and snowy months of winter," said AAA spokeswoman
Bronwyn Hogan.
Loss of visibility, slick roads, poorly-maintained brakes combined
with rain and fog leads to thousands of accidents every year.
According to the California Highway Patrol, there were 136
weather-related collision deaths and over 8,700 injuries on
California's roads during the winter of 1999. The highest number of
fatalities and injuries occurred during October. Motorists can avoid
many such accidents if they observe a few bad-weather driving tips.
Wet weather safety tips:
| -- | Slow down. Your car needs three times more distance to stop on slick roads. Roads become slick and dangerous after a rainfall, especially early in winter. |
| -- | Cloudy weather reduces visibility so use extra caution when passing other vehicles. |
| -- | Maintain a minimum distance of four to eight seconds between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. |
| -- | Rain or shine, always be extremely aware when driving. Your inattention may cause you to slam on the brakes, and skidding on wet roads is caused by sudden stops. |
| -- | Be prepared. Have tire treads, brakes, lights and wipers checked. |
| -- | If you are having car trouble, turn on your hazard lights and pull completely off the road to the right. Light flares or signal for help. Stay in your car with your seat belt buckled unless your car is in danger of being hit by another vehicle. Carry a cellular phone to summon help if you become stranded. Don't forget to call AAA at 800/AAA-HELP. |
During the winter months, dense fog often plagues Northern California, especially through the Central Valley. Visibility in fog can deteriorate at any moment to as little as one-eighth mile (660 feet) or less. This rapid loss of visibility creates a serious road hazard.
Fog safety tips:
-- Drive with lights on low beam.
-- Reduce speed.
-- Listen for traffic you cannot see.
-- Use wipers and defroster as necessary for maximum vision.
-- Be patient! Don't switch lanes unnecessarily.
-- Unless absolutely necessary, don't stop on any freeway or
other heavily traveled road.
-- Consider postponing your trip until the fog clears.
Before leaving home, motorists can find the latest weather updates from the following number: CalTrans Road Info: 800/427-7623 Established 100 years ago, AAA offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. The California State Automobile Association serves 4 million members and is the second largest regional affiliate of the national AAA organization.
BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!
