MIAMI COUNTY — The Miami Valley finally got some much-needed rain after 30 dry days and with more showers in the forecast, drivers may be traveling on wet roads which can cause safety issues.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Even the smallest bit of rain after the drought can bring big changes to driver safety. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) said drivers need to be more cautious when driving in wet conditions.
TRENDING STORIES:
- City responds after Haitian group asks for charges against Trump, Vance over Springfield claims
- Longtime bakery announces grand reopening after fire
- Julie Chrisley resentenced to 84 months in prison
Mark, a Dayton resident, told News Center 7 that he drives a lot for his job checking fire protection services and hydrants and he typically sees more cars on the side of the road when roads are wet. He said he’s always cautious, but there are still some things he does differently when driving in the rain.
“Break a little bit earlier,” Mark said. “You know, you want to least 25 yards before you reach 25 yards, but when you’re braking and whatnot.”
As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, our team learned of three crashes on Tuesday morning that happened in wet road conditions, including one on Interstate 75 near Austin Blvd.
“The roadways were wet and appears that she lost control of the vehicle and went across the median,” OSHP Sgt. Mark Murphy said.
He added the grass median between the north and southbound lanes was also slick from the rain. The driver slid across onto the other side of I-75 and hit a semi.
Sgt. Murphy told News Center 7′s Mason Fletcher that wet roads increase driving dangers, especially after a dry spell.
“There’s a lot of oil and debris on the road that has not been washed off. So the first couple of rains will increase that oil mixture with the water,” Sgt. Murphy said. “And it does become very slippery out there on the roadways.”
He added that OSHP sees more crashes when it’s raining and said slowing down is the number one way to stay safer on wet roads. He also suggested pulling over if you feel unsafe in the conditions.
[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]