Special to The Post-Searchlight

With the recent rainy weather, the Georgia State Patrol is reminding drivers to be prepared before hitting the roads.

Troopers offer the following safety tips for rainy day travel:

• Inspect your vehicle’s windshield wipers and replace old or worn wiper blades;

• Check the tread condition and pressure in each of your vehicle’s tires;

• Allow yourself extra time to reach your destination;

• Slow down — remember it takes longer to bring your vehicle to a stop on wet roads. Higher speeds increase your chances of hydroplaning;

• Increase your distance from the vehicle ahead and be prepared for sudden stops or needing to take evasive actions;

• Georgia Law requires headlights to be on in the rain. If your vehicle is equipped with automatic headlights, manually turn the lights on during daylight hours when it is raining;

• Thunderstorms may cause traffic signals to malfunction. A red flashing signal means stop. A flashing amber signal means to exercise caution when entered the intersection. When the light is completely not working, treat the intersection as a four-way-stop; and,

• Minimize distractions inside the vehicle. Driving, especially on wet roads, requires your full attention.