Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — Today's wet roads kept first responders and drivers on high alert to prevent crashes.
Utah Highway Patrol told KSL that with the warm December in Utah, a lot of people haven't "winterized" their vehicles.
"Remember that roads can be slick," Sgt. Mike Alexander said. "They can be wet and please upkeep your tires and your equipment to make sure that you have the best chance possible of making it to your destination safely."
A few things to watch for:
- Check your tires. Especially with wet roads, it's important you have plenty of tread and good-quality snow tires.
- UHP also reminds Utahns to top off windshield wiper fluid. Alexander said make sure it's the winter blend, which won't freeze on your windshield.
- Pack winter essentials like an ice scraper, some food, and blankets.
There were several crashes on Utah roads on New Year's Day. Especially with freezing rain, driving conditions change very rapidly.
"The most important thing to remember is to not lose control of yourself in that situation," Alexander said. "So don't make any aggressive maneuvers in your vehicle. You don't want to slam on your brakes. You don't want to slam on the gas. You don't want to make any aggressive steering maneuvers, but you may need to countersteer that rotation in your vehicle a little bit."
UHP still has extra troopers on the roads through tonight, monitoring for impaired driving.
Last New Year's, they arrested 40 DUI drivers. This year, 60 people were arrested.
Alexander said Utah is still in the holiday traffic window. Friday and through the weekend, expect more cars on the road as people make their way back home. Remember to take it slow on bridges and in the canyons.
