Extra patrols planned on HWY 17 during heavy rains

The CHP will be out and about, looking for motorists in trouble and just making sure everyone keeps their speed down as the Central Coast gets pounded with rain Thursday.

According to the CHP in Santa Cruz county, the two problem areas when it rains are typically Highway 1 and Highway 17. And as rainy days are forecasted through Saturday, CHP Officer, Trista Drake said they will have extra officers patrolling Highway 17.

“Sometimes if it’s heavily raining we will do round robin, where the patrol vehicles just drive northbound and southbound with the lights on to slow everyone down. Usually on heavy rain days we always like to have more than one unit on Highway 17,” said Officer Trista Drake.

On Highway 1, the California Highway Patrol says they see more rear-end accidents due to distracted driving.

Before you head out the door this morning make sure your windshield wipers are working, you have good tread on you tires and of course plan some extra time in your commute.