Highway safety precautions, awareness stressed

State agencies and law enforcement are stressing the importance of the use of seatbelts and being aware of the dangers of hydroplaning.
“Wearing seat belts is the single most effective way to prevent serious injuries and save people from dying in car crashes,” according to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office.
It is also the law. According to the Oklahoma Mandatory Seat Belt Use Act, motorists can get pulled over solely for not wearing a seat belt.
Laws regarding use of child safety restraints are available on the OHSO website, www.ohso.ok.gov.
Sheriff Tim Turner echoed the statements from OHSO. “Seat belts save lives,” he said.
Motorists should also be aware of the possibility and dangers of hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on a wet roadway. It can happen while it’s raining and also after the rain if the roadway is saturated. When a tire is over-inflated, it leads to the center of the tire wearing out faster. This also leads to less tread on the road which can make a vehicle more likely to hydroplane. a representative from OHSO explained.
Roads are likely to be very slick just after it begins to rain or drizzle, according to the Oklahoma Driver’s Manual provided by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. The first few drops loosen built-up grease and dirt on the road surface, covering it with a slippery film that makes driving very dangerous. Keep alert — the first few drops of rain signal danger. Slow down and use extra caution: “Slippery when wet,” the manual states.
As long as the road surface is wet, drivers should slow down to avoid hydroplaning, the manual also states.  Hydroplaning means that tires lose contact with the road surface and actually ride on the film of water. Hydroplaning reduces traction and increases stopping distance. Turning is more hazardous. Wide tires can hydroplane even at reduced speeds.
Motorists should slow down or pull off the road in a heavy downpour and never drive into water crossing the roadway. Drivers can’t judge the depth of the water or force and pull of the flow, the manual also states.
Sheriff Turner offered similar advice. “When there is excessive rain, we suggest you drive at a reasonable speed,” he said. “Stay the proper distance away from other vehicles and try not to pass other vehicles.”
    Staff report