California Highway Patrol: Drivers urged to slow down as rain hits Central Coast

Santa Maria, Calif. - Rain is expected to hit the Central Coast for most of Monday and into Tuesday.

As drivers headed to work, officers with the California Highway Patrol said they were out in the field making sure drivers are following traffic safety.

Their main concern is drivers speeding in the rain.

Officers said drivers often don't realize how much more time is needed when driving in wet weather.

They said if you see patrol cars on the side of the road, use caution and drive around the cars.

"Most accidents are preventable if they slow down ... if they plan ahead and
check their equipment like their wipers and their tires ... if they leave
enough room between them and the vehicle in front of them ... if they watch for
flooding ... all of this will help to prevent any type of accident on the
freeway," said officer Maria Barriga of the California Highway Patrol.

According to the National Weather Service, the heaviest rain in Santa Maria is expected to hit between 2:00 p.m. and into the evening hours.