UHP reminding drivers how to be safe on wet roads this winter

SALT LAKE CITY — With our first big snow days of the year, the Utah Highway Patrol is reminding the public to be careful on the roadways.

State Trooper Cpl. Jared Haywood says snow buildup and wet roadways will be more common now, and reducing speed is the best action to take while driving.

“Speed is the main factor when it comes to wet weather on the ground, whether it’s snow, ice, or rain,” Haywood said. “Reducing your speed gives you a little bit more time to react. I’m also just scanning ahead and looking for potential hazards that could be in the road as well.”

Haywood also said to watch out for road construction and hazards in general.

“The biggest thing to do is to just decrease your speed, increase your following distance, so that way you can scan ahead,” Haywood said. “And kind of look for those potential hazards in the road.”

Ice, standing water and drifted snow are common on the roadways. Haywood added how it might be hard to see those hazards at night versus day, hence why slowing down is so important in order for people to see the hazards.

“The other thing I would urge is just to wear your seatbelt,” Haywood said. “Wear your seatbelt and plan ahead.”

Haywood said planning ahead allows for slower driving times, and knowing what the weather will look like is also a good idea.

The Utah Department of Transportation also said that speed can become the main factor of hydroplaning in an accident.

“The best thing to do is to just be patient,” Haywood said. “Be patient on the roadways.”