Montpelier, VT (August 10, 2026) – A collision involving a Vermont State Police cruiser left two people injured on Saturday, August 8, while a trooper was responding to a separate crash on Interstate 89.
Trooper Michael Maldonado was driving south on Interstate 89 in rainy conditions when the cruiser began hydroplaning, according to the state police. The cruiser then struck the rear of a car driven by 33-year-old Tyler Jankoski. Maldonado was taken to a hospital for treatment. Both drivers suffered minor injuries in the collision.
The state police cruiser was totaled in the crash. The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.
We are thinking of both drivers as they recover from their injuries.
How Can Rain Affect Vehicle Control?
Rain can reduce tire traction and make road surfaces slippery, increasing the risk of losing control. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water separates a tire from the pavement, reducing the tire’s ability to steer or brake effectively.
Drivers may need additional stopping distance on wet roads. Sudden steering or braking can also make it harder to regain control after traction is lost. Vehicle speed, tire condition, roadway drainage, and the amount of standing water can all affect how a vehicle responds during rainy conditions.
