How amazing is this? Only days into the year and rain is falling. Yes I joke, I grew up in Northern California where rain is expected in the winter, not questioned! I know everyone else in SoCal loves 340 days of sunshine but I'm not one of those people.

So what do we do when the rain falls? Well, some of us forget how to drive evidently. I could go on for hours about water displacement, tires and rules of the road, but I have a feeling those that in this wet weather.

Tires: Ever notice how bald tires handle in dry weather? This is due to better surface contact with the road. But when the rainfalls the excellent handling comes to an end. Why? We have tread and sipes (little cuts in tread) on tires to help displace water, among other things. Without displacing the water you end up in a hydroplane scenario which many of you may have experienced before. So if you were holding out on new shoes for your sled, wait no more. Remember, tires are the only thing connecting you to the road.

Windshield Wipers & RainX: All vehicles sold today are equipped with wipers. Although we seldom use these in these parts, they are a necessity in times like these. Some manufacturers recommend replacement of wipers twice a year; once is fine in our part of the country. To give added security I also suggest applying a nice coat of RainX. Talk about a must-have for added piece of mind. This product can be found in any parts store, even at Target. RainX takes minutes to apply and is a lifesaver if you lose a blade or if your wipers fail all together. This is also a great product to keep bug clean up a breeze as well.

NOTE:As of January 1, 2005 You must turn on your headlights if snow, rain, fog, or low-visibility (1000 feet or less) require the use of windshield wipers.

Attention: (buy this I mean paying attention) This comes free but many people fail to apply enough of it when driving. I warned of cell phone laws going into effect on July 1st (hands-free required for over 18, no mobile device use at all for under 18). Adverse weather conditions all the more reason for such laws to be applied. How many times have you seen someone on the phone while driving swerve to avoid an accident? In rain when you swerve, you slide.

Be safe out there and obey all laws while in the rain, officers don't take speeding and aggressive driving lightly when weather plays such a major role.

Happy Motoring,

Lance

Comments? Questions? Click on the comments button below and talk to me!
RainX website: http://www.rainx.com/

First off, I would like to wish all of my readers a Happy New Year! I hope you had an excellent holiday with those you love. Myself I spent it recovering on a couch after having my wisdom teeth removed. Yes, I know I'm a little old for that and No, I don't have dry socket.

As a new year falls upon us often times new laws do as well. A few I mentioned mid-year in '07 was the cell phone laws. The primary law is that all persons over the age of 18 must use a hands free device while operating a vehicle (SB 1613). For those that do not have a vehicle equipped with a hands free system (typically known as Bluetooth equipped), this means you get to either buy a Bluetooth ear piece or a wired ear piece.

I highly endorse the second law past related to cell phone usage as well. The second law basically states that any persons under the age of 18 is not allowed to use a cell phone, or any other mobile device while operating a vehicle (SB 33). Why do I care? Maybe because a teenager almost ran over me in a parking lot while texting! These kids don't realize that they are operating a 4000 pound weapon.

Both these laws take effect July 1, 2008 so be prepared. You can find either a wired or Bluetooth ear piece at most electronic stores. Stores such as Target or Best Buy often sell them for much less than your phone provider stores. Make sure to go with a trusted manufacturer if going with Bluetooth and check for phone capability before purchasing. As for the teen law, talk to your kids!

These were not the only new laws on the books. As of January 1, 2008 any person's smoking in a vehicle occupied by minors (while being operated or not) is subject to a ticket costing as much as $100 (SB 7). Sorry to those I know that smoke, but I never believed it to be fair for a child to suffer for your bad habit. This can only be enforced if being pulled over for another potential offense.

The last on my list of new laws I like is street racing. This law has been around for years but fell off the books in 2006. This law states that an officer may impound a vehicle for up to 30 days when a person is arrested for either street racing, reckless driving or exhibition of speed. again I say talk to your kids. There is a time and place to race, on the track.

Here is the "short list" of other new laws for 2008:

SB 1542 Key Codes: Gives motorists a convenient and secure option for getting replacement keys when theirs have been lost, stolen, or damaged. This applies only to leased vehicles.

AB 801 License Plates: Makes it illegal to sell or use a product that obstructs or impairs the recognition of a license plate by an electronic device operated by police or toll authority, such as a red-light camera. look out Photo Blocker fans!

AB 321 School Zones: Will now allow local jurisdictions to adopt an ordinance establishing a speed limit of 15 miles per hour in a school zone.

AB 645 Traffic School: Prohibits a court from allowing a driver who commits a two-point violation from attending traffic school. Two-point violations include drunk driving, hit-and-run, speed contests, evading an officer and vehicular manslaughter.

As always, keep the shiny side up.

Lance