Many drivers underestimate how tricky it can be to adjust from one season to another. Driving conditions can change drastically as winter turns to spring, so make sure you and your vehicle are ready to take them on.
Get some maintenance done and double-check crucial car parts and systems. Then, once you’re out on the road, pay attention to the different ways the season can make driving tricky.
Driving in Spring: Tips and Tricks to Stay Safe on the Road
Early spring is upon us—the perfect time to adjust driving habits to fit the season.
This period can be challenging for motorists, especially since warmer days often result in a sudden increase in vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Volatile weather conditions may also bring about road hazards that were previously hidden by ice and snow. Finally, the change in season can bring about health concerns that can affect your driving ability and mark the start of more animals venturing out on the roads.
Be Mindful of Pedestrians and Cyclists
With the weather warmer, expect to see a lot of people out and about during spring.
Those who were forced to stay indoors during winter, like cyclists, will also become a more common sight on the streets. Keep an eye out for them. Drive slowly, especially in busy areas, and refrain from driving over bike lanes.
Be extra careful when you drive through school zones. Children don’t always pay attention when they cross the road, so it’s best to maintain a slow speed around areas they frequent.
Beware Potholes
When water seeps into the road and freezes and unfreezes during winter, cracks can form on the surface. This can create potholes, a road hazard that can cause significant damage to your vehicle if you drive over them carelessly.
Your wheels, tires, and suspension system are all at risk of getting damaged by potholes. Watch out for them the next time you go out for a drive. Also, if you see puddles, always avoid them or drive over them slowly. They could be hiding potholes.
Watch Out for the Weather
Rainfall is common in spring, and it pays to tune in to the weather forecast before driving. Many dangers come with driving on wet roads, and heavy rainfall hampers visibility on the road.
If you can’t avoid driving in the rain, pay close attention to the road. Avoid puddles because they can hide potholes and increase the risk of skidding. Water tends to pool in the outside lanes, so stick to the middle ones.
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the dangers of driving in heavy rain and what to do in case your vehicle hydroplanes or skids on a wet surface.
Beware of Floods
Spring showers plus snowmelt equals flooding. If you’re driving somewhere unfamiliar, research if localized flooding is a concern in that area.
Avoid driving through flooded sections of a road. Potholes aren’t the only hazard they could hide, and you’d risk getting stranded if your vehicle stalls in deep water. It would be safer to use a different route to your destination.
Learn How Medications Can Affect Driving
Seasonal allergies are common during spring. If you’re part of the population unfortunate enough to get the sniffles during this period, pay attention to the medicines you take for your allergy.
Some over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness. Others can also blur vision, reduce coordination, and affect reaction time. Note that some medicine types, like pain relievers, can have similar side effects, so it’s not just allergy remedies that you have to be wary of.
If you’re under the weather, it’s best to avoid getting behind the wheel. Otherwise, ask your doctor for medications that won’t affect your driving ability.
Keep an Eye Out for Wildlife
Many animals emerge from the forest after hibernating all winter. You can expect to see all sorts of woodland creatures if you drive close to the wilderness — and sometimes they’ll try to cross the road.
Be wary of animals, big or small, and keep your cool when driving. Swerving to avoid them can get you into an accident, so it’s better to drive slowly. Be cautious to keep you, your passengers, and the wildlife safe.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Spring Driving
Winter is over, and if you want to make sure your vehicle performs its best in spring as well, there are several steps you can take.
If you installed winter tires, now’s the time to remove them. Other spring prep tasks include checking the brakes, replacing the air filter, washing your car, replacing the wiper blades, getting an oil change, and testing the car battery.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
