The first significant rain of the season may cause "very slippery roadways" — so be careful out there.
The first heavy rainfall of the season could cause extra slippery roadways in the Bay Area today. Drivers should exercise extra caution, warns the National Weather Service.
Rain is forecast throughout the Bay Area today with the possibility of further intermittent showers through Wednesday. Temperatures are dropping too. Pleasant Hill and Martinez are expected to see rain showers Monday afternoon, with a high of 61 degrees during the day, dropping to 50 degrees in the evening.
The weather service has warned of dangerous driving conditions Monday due to the "leaching out of long-accumulated oils in the pavement" as the first heavy rainfall of the season hits, causing very slippery roads.
Here are some tips for driving on wet or slippery roads, according to the National Safety Council:
- Drive slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a light touch. When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.
If you begin to skid, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. You must be prepared to turn the steering wheel again and again until the front of the vehicle is traveling in a straight line. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. If your car has ABS, brake firmly as you steer into the skid.
Avoid hydroplaning by keeping your tires inflated correctly. Maintain good tire tread. Don't put off replacing worn tires. Slow down when roads are wet, and stay away from puddles. Try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you.
If you hyrdoplane, do not brake or turn suddenly. This could throw your car into a skid. Ease your foot off the gas until the car slows and you can feel the road again. If you need to brake, do it gently with light pumping actions. If your car has anti-lock brakes, then brake normally. The car's computer will automatically pump the brakes much more effectively than a person can do.
Adjust your speed to the wet road conditions in time to avoid having to use any of these measures. Become a blogger today!
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