Orange County Rain Showers Bring Auto Accidents
A light rain fell on Orange County and with it, the potential for clogged freeways from auto accidents.
If you’ve driven the Orange County freeway system long you know that it is hallmarked by high speeds with sudden stops. Stop and go traffic is not ordinarily continuous bumper to bumper like in LA. It is more bumper to bumper then a stretch of normal freeways speeds for a mile then sudden stop. This makes for very dangerous conditions under normal dry circumstances.
Orange County’s Stop and Go Fast then Stop Traffic Patterns Intensified with Light Rain
Light Rain Worse than Heavy Rainfall
With only a light rain the oils and fluids on the road surface come to the surface, but do not wash away making the driving very slippery. The time and distance it takes to stop are greatly increased in these conditions.
As rain continues, or when we have heavy rain, it eventually cleans away the slippery debris. Of course here in Southern California, we often get light rain, followed by sun for a few days then another light rain. The roads never get fully washed.
Slippery Surface Means More Injuries
When the roads are slick, your car is more easily pushed forward in a collision. The easier it is to causes a car to move, the more damaging energy is sent into your neck. A rear-end auto accident on a wet road is like slipping on a bar of soap, while dry pavement is more like stepping onto sandpaper.The suddenness of a collision is the main factor in injury potential.
Tips to Avoid Auto Accident Injuries in the Rain
- Leave early for work or school to avoid being rushed and to compensate for slower traffic.
- Increase following distance between you and the other cars.
- Drive in the middle lanes, this gives you bail out options if traffic suddenly slows you may be able to change lanes to avoid a collision.
- Make sure when you stop in traffic to leave a little extra room between you and the car ahead. If you do get hit, you are less likely to ram into the vehicle in front which causes more injury.
- DO NOT DRIVE DISTRACTED, more than ever in wet conditions you must pay attention. Being distracted for even a second can be hazardous. Before you leave, set your phone aside, turn on the radio station you want and situate your coffee. Do not shave, put on make up, talk on the phone, text or anythign else distracting.
When Rain Falls in Orange County, Car Accidents Rise
Follow these tips to avoid being a victim of an accident or from causing one. Of course if you are unfortunate enough to suffer an Auto Accident Injury in Orange County, there is no better specialist in the field than Dr Barry Marks, Car Accident Chiropractor at:
Newport Beach Car Accident Treatment
3300 Irvine Ave #307
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(657) 205-0700
www.newportbeachcaraccident.com
