End of Dry Spell May Mean Trouble for Motorists: AAA Offers Safety Tips for Wet or Foggy Weather
8 December 1997
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 8 -- AAA urges motorists to drive with
caution as meteorologists predict one of the wettest winter ahead.
"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
1995 and February 1996, there were 1800 weather-related collision deaths and
over 82,000 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 Info: 800-427-7623
The AAA affiliate for Northern California, Nevada and Utah serves nearly
4 million members with an array of automotive, travel and insurance services.
SOURCE AAA
