The transition from winter to spring promises warmer weather, longer days, and fun outdoors. Yet transitioning from winter to spring driving can also come with risks. Here’s what to keep in mind as you head out on these longer spring days.
Changing Roadway Risks in Spring
It’s easy to think of spring as the season of freedom from snow, ice, and other winter roadway hazards. Yet spring can bring its own challenges on the road. Here are some of the biggest risks on Arkansas roads in springtime.
Rain, Floods, and Mud
Spring often means rainy weather. Rain can make pavement more slippery. Puddles or sudden flooding can obscure risks on the road’s surface. Mud can also make driving treacherous. Rainy weather can also make it harder to see hazards on the road, including other cars, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
Potholes and Broken Pavement
Sudden temperature changes in spring often wreak havoc on road surfaces. Potholes and broken pavement can create sudden changes in the road surface. Your car can be jerked around or thrown off course when you hit these hazards – which may not have been there the day before. Deep potholes can even damage a car’s tires or frame.
Pedestrians and Bicyclists
Spring weather brings many people outdoors. During the winter months, you may have become used to roadways free of pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists. In spring, it’s important to keep a sharp lookout for others using the road. Be especially vigilant in neighborhoods and near schools, where children may be playing in the spring sunshine.
Environmental Challenges
Sunnier days bring relief from the winter blues. The angle of the sun in spring, however, can surprise drivers, causing difficulties in seeing the road. Daylight Saving Time changes can also interfere with your alertness behind the wheel and change your ability to see clearly. Finally, if you take medications for springtime allergies, don’t drive until you know how the medication affects you.
5 Ways To Reduce Your Risk of a Roadway Crash
To fully enjoy spring weather, it’s important to focus on driving safety. Here are several steps drivers can take to protect pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and others on the road this spring.
Focus on Vehicle Maintenance
Spring is a great time for a vehicle tune-up. Make sure lights, windshield wipers, steering, suspension, and other key vehicle systems are in good working order. Vehicle lights and windshield wipers are a must for visibility in spring rain and storms. A steering system in good working order can help you deal more effectively with spring potholes.
Warmer spring weather can also affect tire pressure, which can affect how your vehicle handles on wet or muddy pavement. Check the condition of your tires and inflate them according to the manufacturer’s specifications, or ask a qualified mechanic to do so.
Be Ruthless About Eliminating Distractions
Spring offers plenty of roadway hazards and distractions, from changing sunlight patterns to sprouting vegetation to restless wildlife. The best way to avoid accidents is to ruthlessly eliminate distractions inside the vehicle. Put your cell phone away before you drive. If you need to set up a radio station or a GPS unit, do so before you put the vehicle in drive.
The more serious you get about eliminating distractions inside the car, the easier it will be to spot and avoid hazards outside the vehicle.
Get Adequate Sleep
Daylight Saving Time disrupts sleep schedules. Longer evenings tempt people to stay outdoors longer, delaying ordinary bedtimes. Yet, lack of sleep can undermine your ability to drive safely. Make sure you get the sleep you need throughout the year.
Carry The Tools You Need to Address Spring Hazards
Don’t put away that winter car kit just yet! Items like blankets, flashlights, and shovels can still come in handy in the spring.
For spring driving, add some items that can prove useful for the season. A pair of sunglasses can help you deal with rapidly-changing sunrise and sunset times, for example. A raincoat and a pair of rain boots can help you deal with vehicle issues in rainy weather.
Never Drink and Drive
There’s no season in which drinking and driving is safe – or legal. If you head out for bonfires or other parties in the spring, plan ahead. Travel with a designated driver, schedule an Uber or Lyft, or put the phone number of a cab company in your phone. Don’t get behind the wheel if you’re impaired by alcohol or any other substance.
The experienced Arkansas car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Jason M. Hatfield can help you protect your legal rights and seek needed compensation after a car crash. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a dedicated car accident injury lawyer. Your initial consultation is free and confidential.