The Department of Public safety is urging drivers to please take it slow as the South Plains faces severe weather Tuesday and Wednesday. 

According to law enforcement, they have already had to respond to multiple crashes throughout Lubbock County, and say all of it could be avoided if people took some extra time on the road.

“This morning alone we have responded to four crashes out in the county because of weather related accidents,” said Lieutenant Bryan Witt, Department of Public Safety. “We had a fatality accident just last night, and then another in Roscoe because of slick roadways.”

Witt said drivers are underestimating the conditions of the roads. While it may not be as visible as snow it can be just as dangerous, he said. 

“During the dry weather the roads develop a layer of oil, and when it rains the oil rises to the top and causes all sorts of accidents along the roads,” Witt said.

He said another concern for DPS officials is drivers taking corners too quickly, and starting to hydroplane. Two of the past accidents have been caused by this, and DPS says it puts both drivers and first responders at risk.

“People don’t realize that first responders are responding to the same roads that you are driving on,” Witt said. “We go down those same roads to try and help you, but if you just take it slow then everyone can arrive to their destinations safely.”