Some parts of California don’t see a lot of rain, but when it finally pours down, traveling on local roads can get dangerous. Drivers hit the gas when road surfaces are slick or inclement weather has reduced visibility to create real hazards.
Certain areas of our state are frequently blanketed by thick fog in the mornings and that moisture can also create dangerous travel conditions. Smoke from wildfires and even dust also make it hard for motorists to keep track of other vehicles.
Dangerous Driving in California Weather
California’s Traffic Injury Mapping System tracks accidents involving adverse conditions across the state. In 2020, they recorded 909 accidents in Los Angeles County blamed on the weather. Those accidents led to 15 tragic deaths and 1,197 injuries. Sunny San Diego recorded 364 accidents involving weather. Nine lives were tragically claimed in those accidents and 470 people suffered injuries.
It’s important to know what to do when the conditions aren’t perfect along California streets and freeways. That includes knowing when to turn your headlights on.
Headlight Guidelines for California Motorists
The California Vehicle Code requires motorists to turn on their headlights whenever visibility is reduced. Reduced visibility can generally be thought of as the times when you can’t see a vehicle 1,000 feet away clearly. A good rule of thumb is to turn your headlights on any time you must use have your wipers on.
That’s not the only time you need to click your headlights on though. When you are forced to travel through thick smoke or dust, your headlights should also be on, but the Department of Motor Vehicles says that low beams work best in these conditions.
California’s DMV Driver’s Handbook also warns that when you can’t see any farther than 100 feet, you cannot safely drive faster than 30 mph. They also suggest stopping to clear your headlights of mud, debris, and ice when conditions call for it.
Some places require headlights to be on all day. There’s a new rule in place along a stretch of Highway 99 in Northern California near Chico that requires motorists to burn headlights during daylight.
What to Do If You Are Struck by a Careless Driver in Bad Weather
California drivers are required to travel at speeds safe for conditions. That means they are responsible for slowing down when road surfaces get slick or visibility is reduced. When they ignore conditions and cause an accident they can be held liable for any injuries they cause.
If you or a loved one are hurt by a careless driver, the driver’s car insurance can be called upon for financial support during the recovery process. Talk to a skilled car accident lawyer serving California about your options in a free consultation session.
