Take extra care to avoid weather related crashes as rain returns | Kent Regional Fire Authority

Wet road conditions after an extended period of dry weather means that oils that have been deposited on roads by vehicles will float on the rain soaked surfaces, creating slippery conditions for drivers.

According to the local weather service, the Puget Sound area could experience very rainy weather on Wednesday.

Why is this a concern? Wet road conditions after an extended period of dry weather means that oils that have been deposited on roads by vehicles will float on the rain soaked surfaces, creating slippery conditions for drivers.

What can drivers to about it? First is awareness and knowing the potential danger exists. Next, increase your following distances to allow for the wet and slick conditions. Finally, slow down. Decreasing your speed from 60 MPH to 55 MPH over thirty miles will only increase your travel time by approximately 2.7 minutes. It may also prevent a crash and save a life.

One other condition that drivers should be aware of – especially during the summer – is when we get wet roads and sudden sunshine. Drivers can be blinded by the glare off the driving surfaces, brake suddenly, and be involved in a crash.

Each year the Kent Fire Department RFA responds to over 800 vehicle crashes. Please drive safely and do not become apart of this statistic.