With the increase in rainfall, the Transit Police have called on all road users to make themselves more visible and take extra precautions. According to Martín Sánchez Agüero, Deputy Director of the Transit Police, visibility is crucial during periods of heavy rain because clouds, fog, darkness, and precipitation reduce everyone’s ability to see on the road.
The police are urging all road users to be easier for others to see. The message especially targets cyclists and motorcyclists, who are less visible due to their size and shape. Pedestrians are also highlighted as particularly vulnerable in traffic incidents.
However, Sánchez Agüero emphasized that drivers of cars, trucks, and buses should also ensure they are visible by turning on their lights. “There is a mistaken perception that headlights are only for nighttime,” he said. “But sometimes, like this month of October, at 2 or 4 in the afternoon it can be very dark because of rain or fog in some areas of the country or even without rain when it’s cloudy—and that’s enough reason to turn on your lights; not just from 6 pm to 6 am but whenever necessary.”
Sánchez Agüero also advised parents whose children walk or cycle to school that wearing light-colored or reflective clothing is important for safety.
While wearing a vest and keeping vehicle lights on is required by traffic law for motorcyclists, it is recommended that cyclists adopt these practices as well.
Reducing speed at all times and being cautious around train tracks or metal covers can help prevent skidding accidents involving motorcycles and bicycles. In addition, water accumulation on certain parts of roads—sometimes caused by blocked drains—can cause vehicles’ tires to lose contact with the surface or veer off course. Lowering speed in such conditions is essential for safety.
Following instructions from authorities during road closures—whether due to landslides or preventive measures—is important because these decisions are based on technical criteria.
Preventive maintenance was another key point raised by Sánchez Agüero. He stressed the importance of checking that vehicle lights work properly: “Ask your partner, mother, father, daughter to let you know if your rear brake lights and reverse light are working—it’s very important—as well as hazard lights and front headlights which each driver can check alone.”
He also noted that tire condition becomes even more critical on wet roads. Drivers should check tread depth and wear regularly.
Replacing windshield wipers may seem minor but helps maintain visibility; sun-damaged blades might not clear water effectively. Keeping air conditioning in good condition—including changing its filter—prevents windshields from fogging up. It may also be necessary to polish the windshield if needed.
