So it is pouring buckets in San Diego today. For a New England transplant like myself, this is nothing. But for most citizens of Southern California, this is pretty much a natural disaster. Especially on the roads.
To help those of you who are not prepared to deal with such weather, I offer you the following:
What to do and not do if you hydroplane:
DO NOT:
- Panic
- Slam on the brakes
- Try to turn suddenly
DO:
Take your foot off the gas pedal
- Disengage the cruise control, if it is on
- If driving a standard transmission, gear down gradually if you can. Otherwise, place the clutch in neutral and just let yourself coast
- If you need to brake, engage the brake gently until you feel the wheels connect. Note: an ABS system will do this automatically for you, even with normal braking.
If you began to hydroplane as a result of trying to change direction, odds are good that you are now in a skid. As always while hydroplaning, make no sudden moves. Instead, turn your wheel gradually against the direction of the spin while simultaneously releasing the gas pedal. Do not brake! The ideal here is to straighten out the wheels and then hold them there until you can regain traction. Only then should you gradually apply the brake or gas, as appropriate.
(from http://www.helium.com/)
And for those of you less panicked about the weather, here are my top 5 favorite records to listen to on a rainy day:
- Azure Ray- s/t
- Thrice- Alchemy Index Volume II: Water
- Lydia- Illuminate
- The New Amsterdams- Never You Mind
- The Postal Service- Give Up
In fact, I think this week, as it is supposed to rain until Friday, I think I will make a rainy day mix and post it. Please let me know if you have any suggestions.
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