Ask the officer Ask the officer (October 27, 2004)

Menlo Park police officer Glenn J. Raggio answers questions about the police and law enforcement. Call 330-6396, or e-mail: asktheofficer@menlopark.org.

Q. Rainy season is coming up, and I'm a new driver. How should I prepare for driving in rain?

A Initially, the streets are quite slippery. Oil that drips from trucks and other vehicles mixes with the rain and creates a hazard that many ignore. My suggestion is that you keep a fair distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. I could give you ratios, but frankly you will find as you drive more and more, especially on freeways, that as soon as you allow distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, someone is there to fill it. Patience while driving in rain (or anytime!) is a virtue that will save you dents, citations, and increased insurance rates throughout your life.

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