Police respond to nine weather-related accidents, one woman
suffers minor injuries
Gilroy – Heavy rains made for poor driving conditions as California Highway Patrol officials reported nine weather-related accidents Thursday. One 24-year-old female suffered minor injuries when her Honda Accord hydroplaned and spun out of control on Highway 152.
“The rain brought upon us a large number of accidents,” said CHP Officer Chris Armstrong. “The roads are slippery once you get the first good rain because of all the oils (on the surface.)”
Harina Chadda of San Jose was heading westbound at El Toro Drive when she lost control of her car at about 12:41am, and collided with a steel electrical box. She broke her leg in the crash. CALSTAR was forced to cancel their attempt to transport her due to weather conditions. AMR transported Chadda to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center where she was treated for her injuries.
“People forget to slow down and leave that added extra space between the vehicle in front of them,” Armstrong said.
During the dry summer months, oil leaked from cars settles on the roadways. Once the rain hits, the pavement becomes slick. Be careful around curves and on entrance and exit ramps, he warned.
Keep speeds down during inclement weather and avoid driving in the fast lane.
“There is no reason to go over the posted speed limit,” Armstrong said.
And if you didn’t get around to doing maintenance this summer – now is a good time to start.
“Check your vehicles for any mechanical things such as windshield wipers and tire treads,” he said. “Now’s the time to make sure you’re up to speed on those things.”
