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End of Dry Spell May Mean Trouble for Motorists

28 October 1998

End of Dry Spell May Mean Trouble for Motorists; AAA Offers Safety Tips for Wet or Foggy Weather

    SAN FRANCISCO--Oct. 28, 1998--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. Between October 1997 and February 1998, there were 1,303 weather-related collision deaths and over 78,000 injuries on the roads throughout California, according to the CHP. 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 tule
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 Inf.: 800/427-7623.
    Established more than 90 years ago, the Northern California, Nevada and Utah AAA affiliate offers a wide array of automotive, insurance travel and financial services. It is the second largest regional affiliate of the national AAA office.