Illinois State Police provides wet weather travel tips
Being prepared and safe driving habits are key to safe travel

[April 18, 2015]    SPRINGFIELD - Illinois State Police District 09 Commander, Captain Scott Compton, would like to remind motorists that spring weather can bring large amounts of rain that can lead to dangerous driving conditions during this time of year. Here are a few tips to help you safely navigate the roadways this spring season.

Make sure your vehicle is prepared for the wet weather. Have your tires, brakes, and windshield wipers checked to make sure they are in good working condition.

Turn on your headlights. State law requires you to turn on your headlights when your windshield wipers are on due to weather conditions. With your headlights on, you are more visible to other motorists.

Allow for more travel time. When the roads are wet you should drive at a slower speed. Also keep in mind that traffic will likely be traveling slower as well.

Don’t try to drive through deep or rushing water. In some instances, it only takes a foot of standing water to stall a vehicle or two feet of rushing water to carry a vehicle away.

Increase your following distance. Wet roadways and reduced visibility increases the amount of time it takes to safely stop your vehicle.

According to Captain Scott Compton “Spring can produce rapidly changing weather patterns and unfavorable driving conditions. Standing water on roadways can impede the flow of traffic, increase traffic congestion, and create adverse driving conditions. The Illinois State Police reminds motorists to travel at safe speeds, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and use properly fastened seatbelts or child safety seats.”

Avoiding the fatal four (DUI, speeding, distracted driving, not buckling up), preparing your vehicle for the season, and practicing safe wet weather driving habits will make travel this spring season more enjoyable for all motorists.

[Sean Ramsey, Illinois State Police District 9]