Here are some tips for driving safely in the rain:
- As a rule, don’t drive in water if you can’t see road markings. A vehicle can float in just one foot of water. It’s safer to turn around and find another route.
- Try to stay in the middle lane where flooding is less likely.
- Drive in the tracks of the vehicle in front of you. This allows the vehicle ahead to displace any standing water that’s on the road.
- Reduce speed and allow extra space between vehicles.
- If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, take your foot off the gas pedal, but don’t push hard on the brakes. Instead, apply the brakes in a steady manner and steer in the direction of the skid. For vehicles with anti-lock brakes, apply more pressure to the brakes, but avoid pumping them.
- After driving through a puddle, tap the brake pedal to help dry out the brake pads.
- Turn on headlights.
- Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition.
Before you leave home, check Quickmap.dot.ca.gov to get the latest on road conditions. You can also call the Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
For those with sensory disabilities requiring alternate formats (i.e., Braille, large print, sign language interpreter, etc.) and those needing information in a language other than English, please contact Bob Gossman at (760) 881-7145 or TTY 711.