With rain chances forecast for the next several days, officials said it is more important than ever to make sure cars are safe for the roadways.
Lori Weaver-Hawkins, Public Affairs Manager with AAA Blue Grass, said drivers should make sure they have proper tread and air pressure in their tires.
“A lot of people don’t realize this, but as little as just 1/12 of an inch of water on the road forces your tire to have to displace a gallon of water per second to keep that rubber meeting the road. So those tires have a big job to do, especially on wet pavement, and so reminder; proper tread, proper pressure,” said Weaver-Hawkins.
Officials said drivers should also make sure their windshield wipers are in good working order and clearing the windshield of all water.
Weaver-Hawkins said rain introduces increased potential for accidents on the road, and drivers need to be cautious by driving slower than normal when needed. Wet pavement can be dangerous, even with the right equipment.
“Wet pavement really can not only increase the chance of your car hydroplaning, even when you have new tires in fact, but it also increases your stopping distance. So, reduce that speed so that you are able to adequately stop in time at traffic lights and for traffic around you, pedestrians around you, etc,” said Weaver-Hawkins.
When it comes to storms and the potential for extremely low visibility, Weaver-Hawkins said it is better to slow down and use blinking caution lights than to pull onto the side of the road, especially when traveling on the interstate.