Multiple accidents have occurred on Tucson's I-10 this morning, due to the rain, causing delays and lane closures.
Arizona's Department of Public Safety has been on scene for at least four collisions, with two on the eastbound I-10 and two on the westbound I-10.
On the eastbound side, near Ina Road, one collision was a vehicle striking a median wall, which has caused two lanes to be blocked.
Another was near Ina Road but was a hit-and-run involving two cars.
On the westbound side, a three-vehicle collision occured near Prince Road and another two-car collision happened near Avra Valley.
Why are more accidents occurring?
During the first rainfall after a dry spell, roads are more slick than usual, according to a study conducted by Daniel Eisenberg, a post-doctoral researcher at UC Berkeley's School of Public Health.
The reason why, according to the study, is because rain's moisture mixes with oil and dust that hasn't washed away, making roads more slippery than roads that experience more consistent rainfall.
What should I do when it's raining/ when I hydroplane?
Local enforcement would like to remind drivers to slow down, and, when hydroplaning, not to use the brakes, but, rather, to gently turn into the direction they are skidding.
At first, this may not make sense, but turning into the skid helps realign the tires with direction you are traveling to regain control. This occurs when tires reconnect with the asphalt.
Slamming on the brakes, on the contrary, causes a car to skid/spin completely out of control.
For more tips on hydroplaning driving,click here.
