3 tips for driving in the rain — from a stunt driver

Steady and heavy rain Thursday in Southern California created dangerous driving conditions with standing water on major freeways at times.
Photo by Ed Joyce/KPCC

It's pretty common knowledge that SoCal drivers tend to slip and slide on wet roads. A stunt driver has some advice on how to be better on the road.

Angelenos aren’t known for our ability to drive in the rain, but there are a few things we can do to keep ourselves safe.

“Everybody thinks they’re a great driver,” stunt driver Greg Tracy said. “With the years of teaching racing schools and car clinics and just being on the road, maybe it’s actually 1 in 100 that are okay.”

Tracy recommends being extra cautious during the first 10 minutes of rain, when the oils make the roads extra slick.

Then once the the oils wash off, drivers have to worry about hydroplaning. It only takes 1/12-inch of water on the road for a car's tires to lose contact with the road, he said.

Below are few other tips he offers as drivers face their rainy commute:

Slow down. Not only should you bring down your speed, but you should also take a look at everything else you’re doing. Avoid slamming on the brakes or hitting the accelerator extra hard.
Look farther ahead. A lot of people have the tendency to just look at the car ahead of them. To avoid those accidents, look 20 to 30 seconds ahead.
Don’t look at your phone. That one is self-explanatory.

This story was updated.