One Person Killed, Four More Injured on 101 Freeway in Hollywood; Heavy Rains to Blame?
A six-car pileup 101 Freeway killed one person on Saturday, January 12 and injured four more.
The extensive collision occurred on the northbound lanes of Lankershim Boulevard. While authorities didn’t give a specific reason, the roads were soaked with rain as a result of southern California weather conditions.
Lanes were closed as authorities worked in clear the wreckage.
Drive Safely in Heavy Rains
The Los Angeles area has been buffeted with heavy rains lately. While it isn’t clear if weather conditions caused the massive Hollywood multicar collision, accidents can certainly be more common – and deadlier – in wet weather. This may be especially true in southern California, where we get less experience driving in heavy rain.
There are specific safety steps to take when driving in rain. They are:
1. Drive more slowly
If torrential rain is coming down, drive at a safe speed for the conditions – which may be less than the posted speed limit. Speed limits assume cloud-free skies and sun, and dry roads. You need to be able to stop safety if you need to suddenly, without hitting the car in front of you. Stopping safety on wet roads takes longer.
The rule of thumb: use 5 seconds of stopping distance between you and the car in front of you.
2. Use your lights
If you are driving in the rain, it is essentially that other cars see you. Visibility becomes more limited in the rain. Your headlights should be on at all times if you are driving in the rain.
Be sure, though, not to use your brights. They can blind or distract drivers in oncoming lanes, and make the roadways less safe.
3. Don’t use cruise control
Never use your cruise control during the rain and on wet roads when the rain has stopped. Why? Because the automatic speed may make hydroplaning more likely – and it definitely leads to a higher probability of you losing control of the car if you do hydroplane. (Hydroplaning is when your car skids on the water built up on the surface of the roads, and is especially likely if you’re going too fast.
4. If you do hydroplane, know how to get out of it
Some experts liken hydroplaning to water skiing on the roads. It’s easy to lose control of your vehicle if that occurs. If you begin to hydroplane, steer in the direction you’re going. It feels like a skid, but slowing gradually and steering in the direction you want to go will bring it around.
If You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
Our region has been buffeted by weather that is causing a number of accidents, such as rain, fire, mudslides, and even snow.
If you or a loved one has been in a weather-related accident in the Los Angeles area, consult the experienced car accident attorneys at the Ellis Law Firm today. The initial consultation is free. Our number is 310-641-3335.
We have been fighting for the rights of the injured for over two decades. We work to see that justice is done.
Additional Resources:
- “1 Killed, 4 Injured In 6-Car Pile-Up on Rain-Slick Roads in Hollywood.” CBS Los Angeles. January 12, 2019. https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2019/01/12/massive-crash-101-fatal/
- Safe driving in heavy rain. Geico. March 11, 2016. https://www.geico.com/more/driving/auto/car-safety-insurance/safe-driving-in-heavy-rain/.