Highway 17 safety during wet road conditions ahead of the holidays

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- With wet conditions expected on Highway 17, it’s essential for commuters to understand how to stay safe on slippery roads.

"I've, heard stories about people spinning out, it's something I get like really stressed," Alejandro Vincent from Palo Alto said. "I drive a lot slower."

CHP is emphasizing the importance of reducing speeds during these conditions.

"We're just asking individuals and drivers to slow down, be patient, and take your time," Israel Murillo JR. PIO said.

Highway 17 is busy for daily commuters, and it’s a narrow, winding road that can be challenging.  

"It it's a windy road and it's a it's a bit of a stressful drive with the back switching a lot," Vincent said. "Especially when it's dark, foggy or raining, it just tends to be the kind of road where you want to not exactly be putting pedal to the metal."

Local drivers are also sharing their experiences navigating Highway 17. 

"If somebody is like speeding behind me I usually move out of their way, I don't want them swerving into two lanes to try to go around me," Hilda Smedman from San Jose said.

Slowing down is crucial, CHP has tips for safe driving in the rain.

"Make sure you wash wipers, all of them properly, make sure lights are working and make sure you have plenty of tread on your tires," Murillo JR. said. "If you had to drive during this inclement weather, make sure you slow down and make sure you give a give yourself plenty of space between yourself and other vehicles."

CHP will be increasing patrols to reinforce the need for patience on the road.

"We've responded to four crashes on Highway south on 17 south of the Summit," Murillo JR. said. "All been there in the same location so far, we're seeing large crashes just south of the county line and again, we're just asking individuals and drivers to slow down, be patient, and take your time."

An essential tip from CHP during these wet conditions, if you skid, ease off the gas and steer straight. No sudden braking or turning.