With memories of last year's treacherous winter storms still fresh, the personal injury attorneys at Pasternack Injury Law Group urge all San Diego drivers to refresh their wet weather safety knowledge before getting behind the wheel this season.

(PRUnderground) January 23rd, 2024

In February 2023, severe winds up to 50 mph wreaked havoc across the county, downing trees and power lines and causing widespread blackouts. Multiple school districts were forced to close as heavy rain triggered dangerous conditions on local roadways.

“Many San Diego residents suffered property damage and injuries during the high winds and heavy rains last winter,” said Barry Pasternack, founder and personal injury lawyer at Pasternack Injury Law Group. “We want to remind the community about driving safely in wet conditions to help prevent similar accidents and harm this year.”

With the year-end holidays nearing, road safety must remain top of mind. Though San Diego sees little snow, roads can still turn treacherous when it rains heavily. By refreshing safe driving knowledge, motorists can protect themselves, their passengers, and others on the road this winter.

Their attorneys share these safety tips for the road this winter.

• Allow Extra Time: Darker mornings and evenings during the winter mean rush hour traffic occurs when visibility is lower. Allow extra time to reach your destination so you aren’t rushed or impatient. Setting your clock back 10 minutes could be the difference between arriving safely or getting into an accident.

• Increase Your Following Distance: Roads are slickest when it first starts to rain, as oil and dirt get brought to the surface. Give yourself ample braking room by maintaining a 4-second following distance between you and the car in front. If roads are wet, increase this cushion to 6 seconds or more.

• Watch Your Speed: Excess speed is dangerous at any time, particularly when pavement is wet. Slow down and obey posted speed limits. Going too fast through standing water can also cause your vehicle to hydroplane. Ease up on the gas pedal if you feel yourself losing control.

• Check Tire Tread: Good tread depth is crucial for maintaining a grip on wet roads. Inspect your tires regularly and replace them if the tread depth is below 4/32 of an inch. Proper tire inflation is also key – check your owner’s manual for the recommended PSI and fill accordingly.

• Keep Your Windshield Clear: Use your headlights during early morning and evening commutes when natural light is limited. Make sure all lights are properly functioning so others can see you. Keep your windshield free of fog by running the defroster. Use your windshield wipers and washer fluid frequently to maintain visibility.

• Watch for Standing Water: Puddles or flooding on roadways can throw you off course or even stall your vehicle. Look for narrower sections of the road that allow you to straddle the deepest areas of standing water. Test your brakes after driving through high water.

• Beware of Hidden Hazards: Leaves, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on lanes and shoulders during fall and winter. Be alert for obscured potholes, rocks, or other dangers, and give yourself extra room to react. Scan farther down the road for changing surface conditions.

• Avoid Cruise Control: Don’t use cruise control if the pavement is wet, icy, or slippery. You need to be able to promptly respond to changing traction and road conditions. Cruise control can delay your reaction time and ability to adjust your speed.

• Focus Your Full Attention: Eliminate distractions like phones, navigation systems, and even conversations with passengers. Actively scan the full environment around you and resist the temptation to multi-task. Driving requires your complete concentration in winter weather.

• Know What to Do In a Skid: If your wheels lose traction, stay calm and ease off the gas. Don’t slam on the brakes, which can make the skid worse. Gently turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the car to go once traction returns.

• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Keep gloves, flashlights, blankets, flares, jumper cables, water/snacks, and other essentials in your trunk in case you get stranded. Don’t leave home without a fully charged phone for emergency calls.

• Drive Defensively: Be alert for unpredictable driving from those around you. Allow extra time for other vehicles to brake and turn. Approach intersections carefully, and avoid driving in blind spots. Follow with increased distance so you can react if others lose control.

• Stay Home If Possible: The safest option is to avoid driving altogether when road conditions are poor. Run necessary errands before storms arrive. See if you can work from home during active rain or high winds so you don’t have to commute.

“Following these tips can help reduce risks on the road this winter,” said Barry. “But if an accident does occur, know that our injury attorneys are here to help recover damages. Don’t hesitate to contact our office for a case review.”

If you are involved in a collision this winter, stay at the scene and take these steps:

1. Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 to report the incident.
2. Administer first aid to anyone injured until paramedics arrive.
3. Gather insurance and contact information from other involved drivers.
4. Take photos documenting property damage and accident conditions.
5. File a police report even for minor accidents.
6. Seek medical treatment for any pain or injuries that emerge later.
7. Contact an attorney as soon as feasible so they can launch an insurance claim and protect your rights.

Having legal counsel by your side can make all the difference in obtaining full and fair compensation after an accident. The attorneys at Pasternack Injury Law Group have helped numerous clients recover damages for medical bills, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. Don’t delay in calling us for trusted representation following a collision.

For more safe driving resources or legal assistance after an accident, visit Pasternack Injury Law Group online at https://pasternackinjurylaw.com/.

About Pasternack Injury Law Group

Pasternack Injury Law Group provides compassionate legal advocacy for victims of negligence and recklessness. With a mission to obtain justice and maximum compensation for clients, this family-owned law firm offers aggressive representation to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists injured by the carelessness of others.

Located in San Diego, Pasternack Injury Law Group leverages decades of experience across key practice areas, including auto accidents, premises liability, bicycle crashes, and pedestrian injuries. By undertaking thorough investigations, negotiating aggressively with insurance companies, and taking cases to trial when needed, the firm aims to ease the financial and emotional burdens clients face after suffering catastrophic injuries. Pasternack Injury Law Group is dedicated to holding negligent parties fully accountable and helping injured victims rebuild their lives.

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