Regardless of what the groundhog says, spring is here! Even though the weather doesn’t always act like it, it is inevitable that winter will be ushered out and warmer days are ahead of us all. That means its time to tweak our driving habits and our vehicles. Here are some tips that will help you enjoy spring driving in safety.
- If you have winter tires on your car, don’t be too eager to take them off just yet. For good measure, they should be left on until the temperatures stay above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on where you live, you still can get some snowfall, which means the warm spring sun can melt ice and snow on the road. This melted water can re-freeze when the sun stops shining on it and the temperatures drop below freezing. If you notice wet-looking roads and the temperatures have dropped below freezing, expect ice and slow down.
- As the weather warms it will bring out all kinds of motorcyclists and cyclists. Every driver should practice good driving techniques and stay focused on the road to spot these smaller road travelers. Always be on the lookout for and respect these two-wheeled travelers.
- In addition, warmer weather brings more children outside as well. Slow down and pay close attention in residential and/or school zones. School kids are easily distracted by the new warmer days and don’t always notice traffic or any movement around them. Be alert for those teenagers too who tend to be fixated on their friends, texting, socializing and cellphones and, as a result, won’t be paying attention to traffic.
- Potholes are formed during the winter month/spring times. This is the time of year when we can get wide fluctuations in temperatures and freeze-thaw cycles. This combination causes potholes to form. Stay well back of the vehicle in front of you and stay focused on your driving and you can give yourself more reaction time when you see these wheel-bending potholes. Staying further back from the vehicle in front of you will also reduce your chances of being hit by kicked-up rocks.
- Heavy spring rains coupled with melt off water from ice and snow can cause flooding on roadway spots. When encountering a flooded road, never try to cross the flooded section as the roadway under the water could have been washed out. Instead, turn around and look for another route.
- Hibernating animals will now be on the move as they are looking for food. Be on the lookout for them as well and you can prevent animal deaths and damage to your vehicle. Slow down in those areas where animal traffic is high.
Now, get out there and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of spring in safety! If you are looking for a dependable car with extras like sunroofs or even a convertible top, that will help you enjoy the nice weather that is headed our way, give me a call!
