Nila Priyambodo
Managing Editor

More than 40,000 people die in car accidents each year in the United States. Many of the deaths occur when it is raining or right after it has just rained.

The La Verne Police Department suggests the following tips to prevent accidents during a rain storm:

• Leave earlier than one would normally leave. Plan to be in at least half-an-hour more in traffic than usual. If a person is rushing and speeding, it is more likely they will get into a car accident when it is raining.

• Check the car’s safety features, such as brakes, tires, wipers and defrosters to make sure they are working properly. Tires should be in good condition and are at the recommended inflation level. Skidding is usually caused by driving with bald tires. Over-inflated or under-inflated tires are also dangerous on wet pavement. Also inspect wipers once a month to make sure the wipers are in good condition. Streaks or skipping on the vehicle's windshield are signs of worn wiper blades.

How to correctly drive in the rain (remembering that the tires lose traction
on the road because it becomes extremely slick when the rain mixes with the engine oil and grease build-up on the road):

• Leave extra space between one’s car and the car driving in front. A car needs two-to-three times more stopping distance on wet pavement. Leave even more extra space between one’s car and a bus or truck.

• If the car skids and one loses control of the car, do not slam on the brakes. Instead apply the brakes with a steady and light, but firm pressure. Remember to steer in the direction the car is sliding. When traction is regained, steering control will return. For cars equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), drivers should apply heavy steady pressure, but not pump the brakes.

• Be more careful by always using turn signals and using them early.

• Turns should be made with less speed than in normal conditions.

• Use the center lanes of the road without going over the yellow lines because water will collect on the outside lanes.

• One should drive slowly, especially through puddles, or one can risk losing control of the car. Driving fast through puddles can also allow waterto splash into the engine causing it to stall or damage the internal electrical system.

• Never use cruise control. If ?the car skids, the cruise control feature will cause the car to accelerate.

• After crossing a puddle, tap on the brake pedal lightly to dry off the water on the rotors.

• Always turn on the headlights because it helps other motorists spot the vehicle. But do not use the high beams in the rain or fog because it obscures one’s view. The light will reflect off the water drops and into people’s eyes.

“If it is pouring outside and you can’t see the car in front of you or if you can’t even see the road, don’t be afraid to pull over and wait until you can,” said Jim Strona, LVPD lieutenant. “It’s the most reliable way to prevent any car accidents during a rain storm.”

Nila Priyambodo can be reached at npriyambodo@ ulv.edu.