The King County Road Services Division is advising motorists that the first threat of rain in nearly a month may cause very hazardous driving conditions when the more fall-like weather moves in as predicted this weekend.

Because the weather has been so dry, roads have seen substantial oil build-up this summer. When the rain does begin to fall, the oil will begin to liquefy on the road surface, causing very slippery driving conditions. Road conditions can become so slick that road crews sometimes have to respond with sanding trucks.

Before the long, dry spell comes to an end, motorists should also take time to inspect their vehicle’s windshield wiper blades and tires. That includes paying close attention to both your tire tread and air pressure. When the rain does begin to fall, motorists should also remember to leave plenty of space between themselves and the car ahead. That extra caution just may help you avoid an accident when conditions deteriorate.

Some parts of the county are also seeing dry leaves begin to fall now that the days are getting shorter and we’re slipping into fall. That means property and roads will become increasingly vulnerable to water pooling and flooding as we enter the storm season. Property owners should remember to check storm drains often during the fall months to maintain proper drainage.

"While we’ve had one of the most enjoyable summers in recent memory, the down-side is motorists have become used to driving on dry roads and perhaps have forgotten how slippery they can become when it rains," King County Road Maintenance Superintendent Tony Ledbetter said. "Now that we’re facing some of the wettest weather we’ve seen all season, it’s a good time to inspect the car and return to our more typically cautious rainy day driving habits."