The importance of the right tires on slick roads

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - With a rainy forecast for Kentucky this week, drivers will need to take the proper steps to stay safe on those wet roads.

“All vehicles, no matter the make, model, size, shape –they are all going to hydroplane,” said James O’Daniel with S&S Tire.

O’Daniel has been working with S&S Tire for around 15 years, and he says that in times of wet weather, he has always seen more people have issues with their tires.

“It’s super important to make sure you have good tires with good tread because that tread will actually channel that water away from the tire, and that’s where you get that traction. As long as that tire can have traction with the pavement, you have the most traction possible.”

In 2022, KSP reported 1,172 crashes related to pooling water on roadways, five of which were fatal.

Just Monday, a Bath County School Bus was involved in a collision due to hydroplaning. While all on the bus are reported safe, it’s a reminder to be conscious of your fellow drivers.

“Everybody is going to stop at a little different speed, so just be cognizant of your surroundings, especially what’s in front of you,” O’Daniel said.

If you are looking to check if your tire can handle the wet roads, James says there is a trick you can use to check your tread with just a penny.

“You can take this penny, you can turn it upside down into the tread – and if you can see the top of his head down in the tread – it’s time for a new tire.”