Roads will be slick when the rain comes

With the weather shifting back to the Northwest norm, the State Patrol wants to remind drivers that roads can be especially slick when it rains after a dry period.

During dry weather, oil builds up on roads from the thousands of tires rolling over them every day, according to the State Patrol. The first rain doesn’t wash off the oil right way, leaving both water and oil on the road, making for deceivingly slippery conditions.

“We are often told at collision scenes, ‘I didn’t know the roads were that slick,’ ” said Trooper Keith Leary of the State Patrol.

Troopers frequently see drivers going too fast for the weather or road conditions; not leaving enough room in front of them to stop safely; aggressive maneuvers such as quick lane changes or sudden braking, and drivers simply not paying attention to what they’re doing.

Also, this is a good time of year for drivers to prepare their cars and trucks for inclement weather by checking the tires, wipers, lights and safety equipment, Leary said.

“We want drivers to start thinking about it now, so they are prepared when inclement weather returns,” he said.

E-mail us at stsmarts@heraldnet.com. Please include your city of residence.