These Spring Driving Tips Could Save Your Life

Taking precautions when behind the wheel in the spring may help drivers avoid auto accidents. During the spring months, motorists face hazards while driving that increase their risk of getting into crashes. Those involved in such collisions may suffer serious injuries or death.

Spring Driving Dangers

Drivers face hazards during the spring, which may not exist or differ during other months and seasons of the year. Some of the most common driving dangers motorists may experience in the spring include potholes and other road changes, road debris, and precipitation, and other weather-related conditions. Increased traffic, pedestrians, and bicyclists may also add to the road dangers that drivers face during the spring.

Looking out for Potholes

Keeping an eye on the road for potholes may help a driver to avoid a motor vehicle accident in the spring. Extreme winter weather may take a toll on roadways, creating potholes and other such damage. Hitting potholes may cause tire punctures, suspension problems, alignment issues, bent rims, exhaust issues, and other such damage. While drivers should not swerve to avoid potholes, gently braking before going over them may help avoid damaging their vehicles or causing wrecks.

Watching for Debris

When driving in the spring, motorists may benefit from watching out for debris. Cities may use salt or sand to help with icy roads during the winter. In the spring when the snow and ice have melted, however, substances such as salt and sand may remain. Such debris may impair vehicles’ traction, which may increase drivers’ risk of losing control of their cars and crashing.

Keeping off pf Shoulders

Spring drivers should take care to avoid driving or parking on gravel shoulders whenever possible. Erosion during the cold winter months followed up by spring rainstorms and flooding may soften gravel shoulders. The ground underneath may wash away as a result, which may add to the risks drivers face when behind the wheel.

Preparing for Spring Weather

To help avoid getting seriously injured or killed in a crash, drivers may benefit from preparing for and knowing how to drive in spring weather. Rain and other precipitous weather is common during the spring months and may cause substantial traveling risks for drivers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, weather contributes to almost 1,235,000 auto accidents each year, or about 21% of the collisions that occur each year. Allowing more following distance and understanding how to control their cars in the event of a skid or hydroplaning may help drivers ensure their safety and the safety of those with whom they share the road.

Maintaining Vehicle Tires

All year, but particularly during the spring, drivers benefit from properly maintaining their vehicle tires. Appropriate tire maintenance plays a crucial role in vehicle control, especially when driving in inclement weather conditions. Therefore, drivers should ensure they maintain the correct tire air pressure to help decrease wear and improve their vehicle handling, as well as regularly check to make sure their tires have adequate tread.

Looking for Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Drivers may find it helpful to slow down and watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists during the spring. When the weather starts to warm, more people choose to spend time outside walking and biking. Much smaller in size than the other vehicles on the roads, drivers may find it difficult to see the pedestrians and bikers with whom they share the roads. Keeping a more attentive eye out, especially at crosswalks and intersections, may help motorists prevent pedestrian- or bicycle-involved collisions.

Using Caution in Construction Zones

Motorists must use extra care and watch for workers and equipment when passing through construction zones. Cities and property owners may look to take advantage of the often-favorable conditions in the spring months by starting projects. Slowing down and paying closer attention when in these zones may help drivers avoid causing potentially serious or deadly accidents, as well as potentially racking up costly traffic tickets.