Spring Driving Tips

Safe driving is a crucial responsibility that impacts your well-being and the safety of everyone on the road. It involves recognizing and mitigating common driving hazards during each season. Spring presents its own set of challenges for drivers. As flowers bloom, drivers often think the worst of their driving worries have melted away, but spring driving comes with its own unique set of risks. Heavy spring showers, potholes, increased wildlife activity and pedestrian traffic are just a few of the risks spring drivers need to watch out for. Knowing the following tips for safe spring driving can help prevent accidents.

Keep these tips in mind while driving in spring:

Watch out for potholes. Winter weather often creates large potholes that can be difficult to see.  Try to avoid swerving dramatically, and instead, brake gently and navigate them with caution.  Keep a safe following distance in case the driver in front of you reacts.

Expect spring showers. Rain can create slippery road conditions. Rain mixed with even a little bit of oil on  the road can create dangerous conditions. Make sure you are increasing your following distance, using your headlights and reducing your speed during heavy spring rains.

Look out for wildlife. Animal activity tends to increase in spring. If you see an animal close to or on the road, slow down or prepare to stop. Be on high alert, especially at dusk and dawn. This applies two fold in rural areas where animals are more active. Animal activity increases during the spring. If you see an animal on the road, slow down or prepare to stop.

Check your tires. Changing temperatures can impact your tire pressure. Check your tires to ensure you have proper inflation.

Prepare for sun glare. Longer days can mean more sunlight, which can be hazardous while driving. Keep a pair of polarized sunglasses in your vehicle and use sun visors when needed.

Warm weather means more people will be out walking and biking. Slow down in your neighborhood and pay extra attention to crosswalks and other high-traffic areas.

Months of snow, ice and salt can wear down your wipers, making it difficult to see in spring storms. Clean your wiper blades with wiper fluid and wash the windshield. If your wipers are still leaving patterns on the glass, it’s time to buy a new set.

Please reach out to us for further auto safety and insurance guidelines.

insurance@wellsins.com

910-762-8551