(COLO) - Rain and snow showers are coming this week, and your Colorado State 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 Colorado State Patrol. “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 Col. 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?
- Avoid Panic: do not slam on your brakes.
- Ease Off: lift your foot off the gas pedal to reduce speed.
- Steer Straight or Gently Turn: jerky movements can induce a skid
- Wait for Traction: you can gently brake, but often wheels will regain contact, and you can gently accelerate to return to normal driving
“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 Col. 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.”
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the protection of the Governor and other dignitaries, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.