The first rain since October is adding another hurdle for drivers trying to navigate through the holiday traffic. The California Highway Patrol is out in full force, keeping a watchful eye.
The CHP says this is going to be one of the heaviest traffic years since 2005. Rain wasn’t stopping travelers we spoke to passing through San Luis Obispo.
“It was a little slow coming down i-5 because people weren’t going quite as fast as I’m used to but it was okay – I felt safer,” said Georgia George, a traveler from Sacremento said.
For some drivers, the rain made it more difficult.
“It’s a long drive [and] it’s a lot of water. You know, it was very scary to get over here,” said Fabio Ferreria who drove in from the Bay Area.
The California Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to make sure their cars are prepared for driving in these conditions before hitting the roads.
“Make sure that your tires have sufficient tread depth and are properly inflated, make sure your headlights and tail lights are properly working as well as turn signals,” said San Luis Obispo CHP Public Information Officer Mike Poelking.
The CHP asks that drivers are constantly scanning the roadways for hazards and possible debris, especially drivers that are heading to burn scar areas from the fires in Northern and Southern California.
If it’s something not passable, safely pull to the shoulder and dial 9-1-1 on your cell phone and we’ll make sure we get the proper people rolling on those things,” Officer Poelking said.
For some, they say navigating the extra traffic is worth being with the ones they love.
“Just be patient – there’s a lot of water, a lot of crazy people out there,” Ferreria said.
The CHP says Wednesday starts their Maximum Enforcement Period so 80 percent of their available staff will be on the roadways through the Thanksgiving holiday, not only enforcing the rules but just being there in case drivers are in need of assistance.
