Unless they travel to more northern portions of the state, LA drivers have few winter driving concerns relating to snow and ice. However, particularly in El Niño years like this one, mudslides are having a significant effect on winter driving conditions.

Few Californians have forgotten the disastrous effect that mudslides had on hundreds of stranded motorists in October 2015. Miraculously, no injuries or deaths resulted from that horrendous event. However, each Los Angeles auto accident attorney at our firm warns that drivers remain at increased risk until every bit of mud disappears from the roads.

California Drivers Need to Know the Risks of Mudslides

Every Californian who drives in areas at risk of mudslides should review information provided by BePreparedCalifornia to obtain much-needed background information about mudslides and landslides. The site helps educate drivers on how to handle these events and includes tips, such as the following:

• Before intense storms, drivers are advised to identify high-risk areas, such as steep slopes and areas burned by wildfires and learn how to prepare for quick evacuation in the event of land or mudslides.
• During intense storms, drivers need to stay tuned to emergency radio or TV warnings and know how to identify high-risk areas by taking note of tilted trees, listening for rumbling sounds and generally knowing how to get out of the way quickly.
• After a landslide or mudslide, the strongest recommendation is that drivers stay away from any areas where they know or suspect that mudslides are at issue.

This advice is essential for anyone facing the possibility of extensive amounts of mud, but it does not necessarily address the long-term effect of mudslides on California motorists.

Recognize the Dangers of Slipping and Sliding Even After Cleanup

Of course, mudslide risks continue at least through March, particularly during El Niño winters. Just as important, the driving risks continue until every bit of mud leaves the roads. It only takes a short drizzle to turn the dried remnants back into mud, which causes motor vehicles to lose traction even more than on water. The main difference is that mud often gets stuck in the tire treads that are essential for maximum traction.

Many California motorists are aware of these special risks and observe every possible preventive measure to retain control over their own vehicles. However, our roads are heavily populated with tourists who often choose more dangerous roadways because of the beautiful scenery. These drivers are typically unaware of the risks associated with driving in mud even as they are more distracted by their sight-seeing efforts.

Even the safest motorists can experience challenges when another driver succumbs to muddy conditions and causes an accident. To help ensure that the correct people are held accountable in cases like these, call The Rudman Law Firm APC at (844) 478-3626 / (844) 4RUDMAN, at our Los Angeles office at (213) 375-3777 or at our Studio City office (818) 769-6969.