Spring season has finally made our days less freezing, and now it is the perfect time to focus on re-adjusting your vehicle and your habits before hitting the road.
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Driving can be a challenge, but the more attention you pay to the risk factors that come along with the new season, the more prepared you’ll be to remain safe.
For that reason, stay out of danger by following these safety tips for spring driving.
Whether you are concerned about driving to work or planning a family road trip, you should never underestimate the impact that the new season has on our ability to drive safely.
Watch out for potholes
As temperatures begin to rise, pay attention to the potholes that appear as a result of extreme cold conditions from the previous season.
The heavy rain usually fills them with water making them hard to spot. Not only are they hard to be seen, but also are detrimental to your vehicle.
Driving through potholes can damage your tires, wheels, steering, and suspension. Keep a safe distance between you and the other vehicle ahead to lengthen your reaction time.
Reduce your speed during spring showers
In the new season, you might have to cope with wet roads owing to spring showers.
The mixing between road contaminants and rainwater increases your margin of error since the roads become increasingly slippery.
Again, you could mitigate the chance of getting involved in a car accident by increasing your following distance to point in which you could brake properly.
Be able to spot animals crossing
This is the time of the year when animal crossing increases significantly.
These animals may be moving to different areas in response to the mating season or simply trying to move from their winter slumber.
Deer, for example, are usually visible during dusk or dawn, so be vigilant.
Keep an eye on pedestrians
It goes without saying that people tend to be outside carrying out several activities as temperatures increase.
If you are driving in a school zone or residential area, follow the speed limit posted on the side of the road to avoid hitting pedestrians.
Reduce your speed as you notice people around you and yield the right of way to them once the walk signal lights are on.
Fix your tires’ air pressure
In winter, your tires may lose air owing to the freezing temperatures. Of course, you don’t want to start the new season with underinflated tires.
At the same time, inspect the tire tread as they can move the water away from your tires during rainy days. When tire treads wears, traction can be compromised.
Visit your local car mechanic and adjust your tires’ air pressure or get new ones if the tire treads are completely deteriorated.
Be alert of construction zones
When driving through construction zones pay attention to workers and equipment as they can disrupt the smooth flow of traffic.
As maintenance and construction progresses, traffic is required to accommodate to changes on the road. Follow the road signs and slow down since you may no longer be driving under normal conditions.
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