With winter coming to a close and the flowers and trees in bloom, it’s important to know about spring driving hazards so you can watch out for them.
Winter brings dangerous driving conditions that require a heightened sense of caution, but the spring also has its unique risks. Despite the rejuvenating plant life and the welcoming weather, there are still spring driving hazards to watch out for. Keep these potentially dangerous situations in mind when you’re out for a drive and keep yourself safe and other motorists safe.
Animals Out of Hibernation
During the winter many animals hibernate until the weather becomes warmer and more hospitable. Then, when spring comes, they journey outside. When that happens, it becomes dangerous for human drivers. In the first few weeks of spring it’s common for animals to wake up, stretch their legs, and get active, but that also means that they tend to cross the road more, inviting disaster.
Know How To Handle Dashing Animals
When you’re suddenly met with an animal running across the road, your first instinct may be to swerve to avoid it. That isn’t always the best call; depending on the animal and the situation of the road, the safest course of action might be not to swerve. Be aware of the cars around you and the road’s condition; make sure that swerving won’t endanger you or anyone else.
Residual Tire Problems
Winter plays havoc with car tires in several ways—both directly and indirectly. In terms of direct damage, the colder air condenses molecules which results in problems with maintaining your tire’s air pressure. Winter is also a major cause of potholes in the road, and hitting one of those, even a small one, runs the risk of serious damage to your wheel.
Inspect Your Tires
The quality of your tires is one of the primary factors that determine how well your car handles. If they’re excessively worn out or underinflated, then your ability to control your vehicle will decrease. If the damage is too bad, then you’ll need to consider purchasing a new set of tires to keep you safe for the coming season. Luckily, tire companies usually offer discounts on tires during this time of year.
Rainfall
Spring means a lot of rain—and, while beautiful, it poses a risk while driving. Rainwater on the road can reduce the traction of your tires, causing your car to lose its grip and reducing its handling abilities. Rainwater coupled with potentially worn-out tires is a recipe for disaster.
Observe Proper Caution
Even if you know your car can handle rainy conditions, drive slower and be more alert to drivers around you. Being cautious is a good way to keep yourself and others safe, so be careful when driving in the rain.
Remain Cautious
The driving hazards in spring are unique to the time of year and require your attention. The nice weather can make us complacent compared to winter, but we all still need to be aware of the dangers.