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Six ways to stay safe on the road this spring

On Behalf of | Apr 27, 2023 | Firm News

Spring is officially here. Although that may mean that treacherous winter driving conditions are mostly behind us, there are still a number of hazards out there that could put you and your loved ones at risk. With that in mind, in today’s post, we wanted to look at some ways that you can keep yourself and your family safe as you hit the road this spring.

Tips for staying safe during spring driving

Even though driving in spring weather may seem safe, don’t let the warmer weather lull you into a false sense of security. Instead, think about implementing the following safety measures to ensure that you’re protecting yourself as much as possible:

  1. Be prepared for lingering ice: Sure, consistently frigid temperatures may be mostly behind us, but spring mornings can still be cold enough to leave patches of ice on the road. So, be on the lookout for slippery streets, and if you see ice, slow down and keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
  2. Be cognizant of rain-related dangers: We’re bound to see more rain as spring gets into full swing. But a lot of people fail to realize the dangers associated with rainy conditions. Don’t let that happen to you. After all, even a little rain can make the road slick, especially when it mixes with oil. If you find yourself in rainy conditions, turn on your headlights, slow down and give yourself and others plenty of space to maneuver.
  3. Look out for potholes: Cold winter weather coupled with ice and warming can leave an extensive number of significantly sized potholes on your commute route. If you’re taken by surprise by these potholes, you might end up swerving to avoid them, which can cause you to hit other vehicles, bicyclists and even pedestrians. Make sure you’re keeping an eye out for these potholes and are prepared to safely maneuver around or over them.
  4. Be aware of pedestrians: As the weather gets warmer, there are going to be more pedestrians out and about. With that in mind, make sure that you’re on the lookout for crosswalks, as well as pedestrians and bicyclists who may be on the shoulder. You’ll want to yield to these individuals when necessary to avoid a devastating collision.
  5. Make sure you check your vehicle: It’s important that your car is in a safe driving condition this spring. Check your tires for proper inflation, ensure your windshield wipers are efficient and monitor your brakes for wear. Making timely repairs can help ensure that you’re able to stay safe when it really matters.
  6. Know the effects of your medication: A lot of people who suffer from spring allergies turn to over-the-counter medications for relief. But as you start taking this medication, make sure you’re staying on top of how it affects you, as you’ll want to make sure that you’re refraining from driving if your medicine leaves you tired or groggy.

Be defensive this spring to protect yourself

At the end of the day, there’s only so much you can do to protect yourself. However, you should be as defensive as possible when you’re out on the road driving this season.

If, for some reason, you find yourself involved in an accident, you may need to think about whether legal action is in your best interest. If you think it may be and you want to find a way to obtain a sense of justice and recover the compensation that you’re owed, you might want to think about discussing your circumstances with an attorney who is experienced in handling personal injury cases.