More than 100 Crashes on Rainy Tuesday

Amid rainfall Tuesday throughout San Diego County, the California Highway Patrol reported more crashes by 3 p.m. than it usually handles in a 24-hour period during normal weather.

There were 127 crashes reported on county freeways and unincorporated roads by 6 p.m., according to a CHP log of accidents. There are typically 50 to 75 crashes in a 24-hour period on a normal weather day.

Interstate 15, which links Rancho Bernardo to the rest of the county, can be particularly difficult to navigate during the rain with its shifting lanes. To help drivers stay safe during wet weather, the Automobile Club of Southern California offers the following tips:

• Slow down. Be especially careful about driving through puddles. Slower driving also will help drivers be ready for sudden stops because of debris in the road or other weather related hazards.
• Maintain extra distance behind other drivers. The Automobile Club says drivers need two to three times more stopping distance on wet pavement than dry, so the extra distance will come in handy if you need to make a sudden stop.
• Drive in center lanes to avoid outside lanes where water may pool.
• Stay aware of weather conditions by checking news reports. Also, avoid distractions while driving.

Also, remember that California law requires drivers to have their headlights on when using windshield wipers, even if it's during the day.

Find us on Facebook and Twitter @RBPatch.