With heavy rain earlier this week and game day traffic anticipated today, drivers should take certain measures in order to stay safe on the roads.

Troy University will play Duke at 6 p.m. today, and Troy Police Lt. Bryan Weed said the best advice for any traffic situation was to leave early enough for an event so the driver is not rushing.

“Come early so you can give yourself plenty of time to get there so you aren’t rushed,” Weed said.

Weed said the key to dealing with game day traffic was to remain patient.

“It’s just staying patient,” Weed said. “Always be prepared by knowing where you can park.”

However, motor vehicles will not be the only way people choose to travel on game day. Weed encouraged drivers to remain aware of those traveling by foot Saturday.

“Another thing about game days, whether it’s downtown with tailgating or around the stadium area, be mindful of pedestrians,” Weed said.

Weed also cautioned drivers to be mindful of the weather, citing several wrecks that occurred during heavy rainfall on Thursday.

“There are always visibility problems with heavy rain,” Weed said. “Plus, when (water) starts to stand on the road, it’ll start to make it difficult for drivers.”

With standing water on the road, Weed said it could cause even more difficulty for drivers.

“Like Thursday, a heavy downpour water becomes almost too much,” Weed said. “You’ll have standing water in certain areas and it’ll cause hydroplaning.”

To prevent hydroplaning, or other sorts of accidents during heavy rainfall, Weed said to slow down and to use flashers for increased visibility of your vehicle.

“If it’s raining hard make sure to have your lights on, and if it’s raining really hard turn your flashers on,” Weed said. “It’s smart to go slow, not because of the roads, but because it is harder to see while driving. Low visibility is a reason we have wrecks, that and people not slowing down.”