In anticipation of the current inclement weather, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department offers the following tips to help keep you and your passengers safe while driving on wet roads:

» Routinely check your tires. Check tire tread depth and for proper inflation.
» Slow down. As rain falls, it mixes with grime and oil on the road creating slick conditions.
» Know how to recover from a skid. Remember not to slam on the brakes. Apply firm, steady pressure to the brakes and steer the car in the direction of the skid.
» Keep your distance from the car ahead. It takes about three times longer to break on wet roads than on dry roads.
» Turn your headlights on. Not only do they help you see the road, but they’ll help other drivers see you.
» First rains make the road very slippery. First rains make the roads the most difficult to drive on as mud and oil combine with water to form a slippery layer.
» Dry your brakes after driving through standing water. If you have driven through standing water, apply the brakes lightly for a short time to dry them.
» Make sure your wipers are in good condition and functioning properly. California law requires that if you have your wipers on, your vehicle headlights must also be on.