HomeMy WebLinkAboutRE_ February Safety Speak Blog.msgThank you! đ
Cecilia Arellano
City of Diamond Bar | Public Information Coordinator
t 909 839-7056 | carellano@diamondbarca.gov <mailto:carellano@diamondbarca.gov>
From: Scheller, Aaron D. <ADSchell@lasd.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 12:31 PM
To: Cecilia Arellano <CArellano@DiamondBarCA.Gov>
Subject: Re: February Safety Speak Blog
CAUTION: This message originated outside of our City of Diamond Bar network.
**Please exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.**
feel free to make as many changes as you want.....
Diving in bad weather
Most of us get to enjoy many sunny days here in California. Driving can be dangerous enough on the sunny days, but as we have all experienced with January, it gets much more serious
in inclement weather. So, before you get on the road, here are some ideas to consider when youâre driving in difficult weather conditions.
Overall, you need to decide if the danger outweighs the need to drive. If youâre driving in bad weather, before you get on the roadway, double check your route. Use the radio, news,
or smart phone technology, to ascertain the severity of the weather and to help you determine if you should get on the road or wait it out.
If at any time you decide to stop, or happen to be in an accident, please try to find a safe spot to pull off the roadway. If you happen to get stuck in the roadway, turn on your hazard
lights to notify traffic there is a hazard in the roadway. If you can, safely exit your vehicle and get to a safe place. Limited vision will cause other driverâs to not see your car
and will most likely end up in a collision. If you do remain in your car, continue to where your seatbelt until your off the roadway in a safe area.
Rain
We need rain, desperately, so donât be made when it comes. But we must change our driving habits. Please slow down. Water plus speed equal hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is when your
tire can no longer displace the water which causes your vehicle to ride on top of the water. Once this happens, you no longer have control over your vehicle. Any change of direction
in your steering will cause the vehicle to spin in that direction without the ability to make steering corrections. You must drive slower allowing the weight of your vehicle to keep
you firmly attached to the asphalt. If you have bald tires, this will contribute to the hydroplaning. Take your vehicle over to a local tire shop and have them rate the tread on your
tire and make sure your vehicle can displace water appropriately while you drive. Also, replace your windshield wipers on a yearly basis so your vision is not impaired. If has not
rained for a while, the oils from the roadway will surface. The road becomes slippery and difficult to keep your vehicle from slipping.
A lot of people may not know but posted speed signs on the roadway are rated for good conditions. That means when its nice and dry. Itâs called the Prima Facia rule. Which indicates
the speed which has been set by the state as a safe speed when traveling in certain roadways such as train crossing, residential, main throughfares, and freeways. However, law enforcement
can cite you for driving to fast even if you are driving the speed limit. If an officer determines you were driving to fast for the conditions, you can be cited. There is a spot on
the citation called P.F/Max Speed, and given the training and experience of the deputy, they can determine your speed to be unsafe for the conditions and give you a citation. The conditions
which an officer might cite you is during inclement weather such as rain, snow, and fog. Anywhere where you have low visibility. However, going below the minimum speed limit can also
get you a citation. If a vehicle is moving much slower then the posted speed limit, a faster moving vehicle could collide into the slower vehicle. Also, It is state law to use your
headlight during inclement weather.
24400. California Vehicle Code
(a) A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall
be equipped with at least two headlamps, with at least one on each side of the front of the vehicle, and, except as to vehicles registered prior to January 1, 1930, they shall be located
directly above or in advance of the front axle of the vehicle. The headlamps and every light source in any headlamp unit shall be located at a height of not more than 54 inches nor
less than 22 inches.
(b) A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be operated during darkness, or inclement weather, or both, with at least two lighted headlamps that comply with subdivision (a).
(c) As used in subdivision (b), âinclement weatherâ is a weather condition that is either of the following:
(1) A condition that prevents a driver of a motor vehicle from clearly discerning a person or another motor vehicle on the highway from a distance of 1,000 feet.
(2) A condition requiring the windshield wipers to be in continuous use due to rain, mist, snow, fog, or other precipitation or atmospheric moisture.
If you come an unfamiliar roadway that has water on top of it, donât proceed. Turnaround and donât drown. Too many times people try to traverse a roadway with water on it and end up
stuck or worse, swept away. Donât take the chance, find an alternate route, or wait until the rain subsides.
Wind
Good olâ Santa Ana winds arrive yearly to remind us how small we are and how big nature is. However, driving in the winds creates a whole new challenge. The wind may also cause visibility
problems if there is dust, sand, or ash. Depending on the direction of the wind, it can have a power impact on the way our vehicle operates. If the wind is behind you, you might not
realize how fast your moving until you look down and see your speedometer. The assistance from the wind is nice but can keep you from slowing down as fast as you need to. If your
headed into the wind, you might feel your car slowing quickly. Watch behind you to make sure the vehicle following you recognizes the speed changes and adjusts their driving as well.
Weather itâs a head wind or a tail wind, try to create a safe cushion between the vehicles for any abrupt speed changes.
Side winds are the most dangerous, especially to a high-profile vehicle. They may push your vehicle from your lane into the next lane or off the road. Make sure you slow down to make
any driving adjustments as needed while keeping a firm two handed grip on the steering wheel. By driving fast, you give yourself less time to make the adjustments to avoid a traffic
collision. If you do have a high-profile vehicle, you might consider not driving in extreme high winds. The winds could cause your vehicle to overturn.
If you come an unfamiliar roadway that has water on top of it, donât proceed. Turnaround and donât drown. Too many times people try to traverse a roadway with water on it and end up
stuck or worse, swept away. Donât take the chance, find an alternate route, or wait until the rain subsides.
Fog
Fog simply decreases the amount of roadway you can see. We have seen many collisions where a large pile-up was caused by the fog. You must slow down and try to keep yourself in the
lane. The white line on the right side of the road is called a fog line because it helps you keep your vehicle centered on the roadway and will help you avoid any obstructions. In
rural areas with a dirt shoulders, you might find it does not have a fog line. Keep yourself approximately three feet from the yellow center line to help navigate the roadway. Lastly,
do not use your high beams. The high beams cause a reflection in the fog and will make it more difficult to see. Keep it on the low beams. The 1000 foot rule also applies to fog,
to avoid a citation please use your headlights. This will allow cars driving in the opposite direction to see you.
Snow
Snow and ice on the road can be extremely dangerous. Not only is your vision limited, but if snow is on the ground, you may not be able to see the roadway lines. If you are planning
on driving in the snow, you must slow down and take your time. Be careful when applying the brakes, try to apply a slow braking method. If your car starts to skid, let ff the brake
and allow your car to straighten out, then re-apply the brakes until you come to a stop. Some areas may require chains to drive on the roadway, make sure to have the chains properly
fitted before you get to the snow. The last thing you want to do is get stuck because you have not prepared by getting the property equipment. Plus, if you practiced putting on the
chains prior to the snow, you want stand in the snow scratching your head trying to figure out how they go on while youâre freezing in the cold.
Do you have an ice scrapper? If your ever stopped, or windshield wipers cannot hold up to the amount of snowfall, you may have to pull off the road and scrap the snow and ice off the
windshield. Also, I would suggest packing some extra blankets and flashlights in case you find yourself stuck. This will keep you warm and safe until help arrives to assist on getting
you unstuck.
Glare
Glare, I feel is a sneaky natural occurrence that driverâs do not think about before getting on the road. As the we grab our cup of coffee and get on the road as the sun rises, the
horizon becomes bright causing a glare on our windshield. The sunlight blinds us from seeing the cars and the roadway as we drive. This is very dangerous because we cannot see if
cars are stop or moving. Its also very difficult to see what color the traffic signal is showing. So, there may be someone stopped at a red light, and you wonât see them until there
is a collision. Make sure to slow down and try to wear polarized sunglasses which are made to stop the glare into your eyes.
Overall
When it comes to safety and your automobile, there are some essentials supplies you should consider always having with you. Emergency triangles and/or flares to indicate a vehicle is
stranded and to tell driverâs there is a hazard ahead. I medical first aid kit. A flashlight, heavy duty gloves, battery cables, and a blanket. Be mindful to check to see if you have
these items in your car and make sure everything in good working order and clean. This will give you confidence that if trouble should arise, you will be ready for it. And always where
your seatbelt.
I will end with a personal example. I was towing a large trailer from California to the east coast. I decided to get two extra trailer tires, one extra truck tire, a floor jack, gloves,
and lug wrench. I left everything in the back of the truck read to go. When my trailer tire blew, I safely pulled over and was able to quickly change my tire because I was prepared.
I was back on the road within ten minutes. Preparedness brings confidence and will keep you and other around you safe.
Aaron Scheller | Special Projects Deputy
Los Angeles County Sheriff |ăCity of Diamond Bar
21810 Copley Drive,
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
909.348.8334 / 909.348.8316 Fax
adschell@lasd.org <mailto:Faxadschell@lasd.org>
ascheller@diamondbarCA.gov <mailto:lasd.orgascheller@diamondbarCA.gov>
________________________________
From: Cecilia Arellano <CArellano@DiamondBarCA.Gov>
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 10:25 AM
To: Aaron Scheller <AScheller@DiamondBarCA.Gov>; aaron scheller <aaronscheller@hotmail.com>
Subject: February Safety Speak Blog
This message is from an EXTERNAL SENDER - be CAUTIOUS, particularly with links and attachments
Hi, please send me your blog entry no later than this Friday morning. đ
EmailSignatureLogo15 <https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.diamondbarca.gov%2f&c=E,1,ri_NL6A3YMpynE3-C9dAATsX5pvV6mGFdnCV4yKYgwiM6Znaq3y1kxdBlmQJpXm7MU8RCz8Iinyx433nGDOkUZhTNJKYmH0i
-gSZH6i4hhmf&typo=1>
Cecilia Arellano| Public Information Coordinator
City of Diamond Bar | Public Information Division
21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
t 909.839.7056 | 909.839.7000 main | f 909.861.3117
carellano@diamondbarca.gov | www.DiamondBarCA.gov <https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.diamondbarca.gov%2f&c=E,1,hjoOXlo9GIdC0-5yFWZZ9_GJtnf6JvLQnjdFu9awb_jiSuOAxZ9vuHKWZu8lRIBjThT
Lms9jMg9dNuCFubdsVSSD3HBkN90ISWhfqYgf2dfV&typo=1>
Connect with Us... Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/cityofdiamondbarca> |Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/diamondbarcity> |YouTube <http://www.youtube.com/diamondbarca> |Instagram <http://www.instagr
am.com/cityofdiamondbar>
wn and see your speedometer. The assistance from the wind is nice but can keep you from slowing down as fast as you need to. If your headed into the wind, you might feel your car slowing
quickly. Watch behind you to make sure the vehicle following you recognizes the speed changes and adjusts their driving as well. Weather itâs a head wind or a tail wind, try to create
a safe cushion between the vehicles for any abrupt speed changes.
Side winds are the most dangerous, especially to a high-profile vehicle. They may push your vehicle from your lane into the next lane or off the road. Make sure you slow down to make
any driving adjustments as needed while keeping a firm two handed grip on the steering wheel. By driving fast, you give yourself less time to make the adjustments to avoid a traffic
collision. If you do have a high-profile vehicle, you might consider not driving in extreme high winds. The winds could cause your vehicle to overturn.
If you come an unfamiliar roadway that has water on top of it, donât proceed. Turnaround and donât drown. Too many times people try to traverse a roadway with water on it and end up
stuck or worse, swept away. Donât take the chance, find an alternate route, or wait until the rain subsides.
Fog
Fog simply decreases the amount of roadway you can see. We have seen many collisions where a large pile-up was caused by the fog. You must slow down and try to keep yourself in the
lane. The white line on the right side of the road is called a fog line because it helps you keep your vehicle centered on the roadway and will help you avoid any obstructions. In
rural areas with a dirt shoulders, you might find it does not have a fog line. Keep yourself approximately three feet from the yellow center line to help navigate the roadway. Lastly,
do not use your high beams. The high beams cause a reflection in the fog and will make it more difficult to see. Keep it on the low beams. The 1000 foot rule also applies to fog,
to avoid a citation please use your headlights. This will allow cars driving in the opposite direction to see you.
Snow
Snow and ice on the road can be extremely dangerous. Not only is your vision limited, but if snow is on the ground, you may not be able to see the roadway lines. If you are planning
on driving in the snow, you must slow down and take your time. Be careful when applying the brakes, try to apply a slow braking method. If your car starts to skid, let ff the brake
and allow your car to straighten out, then re-apply the brakes until you come to a stop. Some areas may require chains to drive on the roadway, make sure to have the chains properly
fitted before you get to the snow. The last thing you want to do is get stuck because you have not prepared by getting the property equipment. Plus, if you practiced putting on the
chains prior to the snow, you want stand in the snow scratching your head trying to figure out how they go on while youâre freezing in the cold.
Do you have an ice scrapper? If your ever stopped, or windshield wipers cannot hold up to the amount of snowfall, you may have to pull off the road and scrap the snow and ice off the
windshield. Also, I would suggest packing some extra blankets and flashlights in case you find yourself stuck. This will keep you warm and safe until help arrives to assist on getting
you unstuck.
Glare
Glare, I feel is a sneaky natural occurrence that driverâs do not think about before getting on the road. As the we grab our cup of coffee and get on the road as the sun rises, the
horizon becomes bright causing a glare on our windshield. The sunlight blinds us from seeing the cars and the roadway as we drive. This is very dangerous because we cannot see if
cars are stop or moving. Its also very difficult to see what color the traffic signal is showing. So, there may be someone stopped at a red light, and you wonât see them until there
is a collision. Make sure to slow down and try to wear polarized sunglasses which are made to stop the glare into your eyes.
Overall
When it comes to safety and your automobile, there are some essentials supplies you should consider always having with you. Emergency triangles and/or flares to indicate a vehicle is
stranded and to tell driverâs there is a hazard ahead. I medical first aid kit. A flashlight, heavy duty gloves, battery cables, and a blanket. Be mindful to check to see if you have
these items in your car and make sure everything in good working order and clean. This will give you confidence that if trouble should arise, you will be ready for it. And always where
your seatbelt.
I will end with a personal example. I was towing a large trailer from California to the east coast. I decided to get two extra trailer tires, one extra truck tire, a floor jack, gloves,
and lug wrench. I left everything in the back of the truck read to go. When my trailer tire blew, I safely pulled over and was able to quickly change my tire because I was prepared.
I was back on the road within ten minutes. Preparedness brings confidence and will keep you and other around you safe.
Aaron Scheller | Special Projects Deputy
Los Angeles County Sheriff |ăCity of Diamond Bar
21810 Copley Drive,
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
909.348.8334 / 909.348.8316 Fax
adschell@lasd.org <mailto:Faxadschell@lasd.org>
ascheller@diamondbarCA.gov <mailto:lasd.orgascheller@diamondbarCA.gov>
________________________________
From: Cecilia Arellano <CArellano@DiamondBarCA.Gov>
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 10:25 AM
To: Aaron Scheller <AScheller@DiamondBarCA.Gov>; aaron scheller <aaronscheller@hotmail.com>
Subject: February Safety Speak Blog
This message is from an EXTERNAL SENDER - be CAUTIOUS, particularly with links and attachments
Hi, please send me your blog entry no later than this Friday morning. đ
EmailSignatureLogo15 <https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.diamondbarca.gov%2f&c=E,1,ri_NL6A3YMpynE3-C9dAATsX5pvV6mGFdnCV4yKYgwiM6Znaq3y1kxdBlmQJpXm7MU8RCz8Iinyx433nGDOkUZhTNJKYmH0i
-gSZH6i4hhmf&typo=1>
Cecilia Arellano| Public Information Coordinator
City of Diamond Bar | Public Information Division
21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
t 909.839.7056 | 909.839.7000 main | f 909.861.3117
carellano@diamondbarca.gov | www.DiamondBarCA.gov <https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.diamondbarca.gov%2f&c=E,1,hjoOXlo9GIdC0-5yFWZZ9_GJtnf6JvLQnjdFu9awb_jiSuOAxZ9vuHKWZu8lRIBjThT
Lms9jMg9dNuCFubdsVSSD3HBkN90ISWhfqYgf2dfV&typo=1>
Connect with Us... Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/cityofdiamondbarca> |Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/diamondbarcity> |YouTube <http://www.youtube.com/diamondbarca> |Instagram <http://www.instagr
am.com/cityofdiamondbar>