Rain and snow showers are coming this week, and your Colorado State Patrol (CSP) troopers want to know the last time you replaced your windshield wipers. Safety starts with your ability to see and be seen.
“Storms often reduce visibility for motorists, so you need to ensure that your headlights, taillights and turn signals are functioning and being used,” explained Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the CSP. “If your wipers are skipping, smearing or just not clearing the windshield like they used to, it's time for you to replace them. You can only avoid road damage, pedestrians and other vehicles you can see.”
Preparing your vehicle is the first step in safe driving during wet weather. Troopers also want you to slow down to improve your control and increase your following distance, as wet roads can reduce your tire’s traction, making it take longer to come to a complete stop. Finally, avoid using cruise control.
“Cruise control doesn’t allow you to adjust to sudden changes in traction and can increase your risk of hydroplaning,” stated Packard. “Plus, if you do hydroplane, cruise control can cause your vehicle to accelerate further, worsening the situation.”
Drivers should avoid standing water due to the risk of hydroplaning, but what should you do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane?
“If the rain becomes extremely heavy, hail begins or visibility is poor, pull over to a safe location and wait for the weather to pass,” stated Packard. “If you see large puddles and flooding, find another route. Drivers frequently get stranded, not knowing the depth of the water, which can also cause serious damage to your vehicle.”
