Even before the rain started to really pour, local troopers had seen an increase in accidents on local roads when fall’s wet weather arrived, the Washington State Patrol reported.

Trooper Krista Hedstrom said that troopers saw a particular increase on westbound State Route 16 between Tremont Boulevard and Gorst, an area that is heavily congested during the morning commute.

And conditions like that were what caused all of the seven collisions Hedstrom said troopers had responded to in one recent three-day period.

“Those collisions were reported during the morning commute and all were caused by speed and following too closely,” she said.

At all times, Hedstrom said drivers are reminded to keep enough space between theirs and other vehicles, and to lower their speed if traffic is heavy and road conditions not optimal, which includes this week.

Rainy weather results in “poor visibility and slick roadways,” she said.

To keep themselves and others on the road safe, Hedstrom offered these tips:

• Weather conditions can change dramatically this time of year, so plan plan your commute wisely.

• Maintain a safe following distance and remember that many things affect the time it takes your car to stop: brakes, tires and roadway conditions.

• Clean your car’s windows and use your defroster to increase your visibility.

• Check your windshield wipers and replace if necessary.

• Let the flow of traffic determine your speed; congestion often requires you to drive well below the posted speed.

• Leave a few minutes early for work to avoid feeling rushed.

• Pay attention to the roadway and other drivers around you.

• Use hands-free devices and limit your distractions, when you are driving you should be driving.

Go to www.wsp.wa.gov for more information.