With the spring season arriving this month, it’s a time for renewal, brightness, sunshine, and a feeling of being free from the long winter! Those are great aspects of this time of year, but it’s also important to keep motorist safety tips in mind as we switch seasons. Although the springtime feels fresh and new, there are several hazards to look out for:
- Watch for ice. When the weather starts turning sunny and beautiful, it’s easy to leave the concept of ice back in the winter. But there still could be patches of ice, especially if there was a recent storm. Watch for ice on the roadway and be prepared to reduce your speed if you are approaching a potentially icy and slick area.
- Be ready for rain storms. The springtime brings much-needed rain to areas across the U.S. But these storms don’t always provide the best driving conditions! If you find yourself driving in the rain, make sure your headlights are turned on. Reduce your speed slightly to accommodate the poor traction, And allow a little more space between you and the vehicle in front of you in case something unexpected occurs and that car goes into a skid. It doesn’t take much standing water for hydroplaning to be a possibility.
- Look out for potholes. Snow plows sometimes tear potholes in the road. These potholes may not be apparent until all the snow and ice has melted out in the spring. Keep your eyes on the roadway and stay alert so that if you encounter a large pothole, you can decide whether it’s safe to make an evasive maneuver. If it is not possible to avoid a pothole, it is recommended to reduce your speed and gently let your foot off the brake as you pass over the pothole so that your suspension system can soften the blow.
- Expect more bicyclists and pedestrians. Cyclists and people enjoying a stroll on foot we’ll be out and about this time of year. You may have grown less accustomed to seeing them over the winter. Remember to always be on the lookout for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other people with whom you are sharing the area. Be especially cautious when approaching crosswalks, intersections, residential areas, parks, school zones, and downtown areas.
Unfortunately, no matter what you do, there will always be careless drivers with whom you must share the road. If you or a family member was injured in a crash caused by a careless driver, then you deserve a chance to pursue maximum compensation and justice. Please search our directory for a lawyer in your area.
