Everyone agrees that winter is the worst time for driving. You can’t move at high speeds; always watching out for black ice and be mindful of snow obstructing your view. All these changes when spring comes, and the snow melts off. Now, you have open roads with sunlight as far as the eye can see. While this means it’s time to change out your winter tires, you aren’t ready to speed off into the sunset just yet. Spring driving comes with its problems; some are left behind by winter, others new. That’s why you must have a few driving tips for spring locked down and how to respond legally in case of any infractions.
8 Safety Tips To Follow
Watch Out For Wet Roads. People often forget that April showers with sudden heavy downpours are still very much a thing during spring. When this heavy rain mixes with grease, dirt, and asphalt left behind on the road, it creates dangerous and slippery conditions. It’s also dangerous to drive in such heavy rain as it creates a low clarity that makes it difficult to see in front of you, making you more prone to accidents.
Check Tire Pressure. It’s always important to check your tire pressure regularly, especially after winter. Due to the reduced temperature, tire pressure tends to get lower during winter. Low tire pressure on the road is bad news and can lead to tire failure and an accident.
Look Out For Potholes. These are the bane of every road user and it isn’t uncommon to discover new ones after winter. Entering a pothole without care will easily damage the vehicle and cause accidents, especially when you are unaware of just how deep it is.
Be Mindful of Strong Winds. Another characteristic of spring, alongside its heavy rainfall, is the strong gusts it brings. These heavy gusts can be a hazard because they can blow sand and dust, reducing your visibility or even rip out branches of trees that can damage your vehicle when hit. When driving in this condition, always remember to have your legs ready to brake and avoid oversteering whenever you encounter a hazard.
Be on the Lookout for Low Sun and Glares. The end of winter brings promises of the sun, but during that transitionary period between winter and spring, visibility can be quite low on the road, and poor visibility can lead to road accidents. You also have to be mindful of the sun’s glare, which can reduce visibility and serve as a distraction, leading to accidents.
Watch Out For Other Road Users. A part of your responsibility is to be aware of other road users like cyclists and pedestrians, remembering that they are also entitled to the road. Make sure to obey the regulations, such as giving the right of way to people at a crossing and using the turn signal when turning or merging into a lane.
Check Your Wiper. Heavy rainfall and dirt initiated by spring showers necessitate that you clean and check your wipers frequently. Sometimes, these wipers are just old, and you need to replace them after experiencing so much wear and tear. If you notice your wiper blades start leaving streaks and scrapes during heavy rain, then they need to be changed.
Avoid Entering Puddles. When driving during spring, always make sure that you avoid entering puddles, as some of them can hide all kinds of hazards. It is also quite difficult to judge just how deep the puddle is, and you might end up mistaking it for a sinkhole. Try to veer off to the side and go around the puddle. Don’t rush, even when you’re in heavy traffic.
Legal Tips.
If, despite following all this, you still get into an accident, here are some legal tips you can follow to protect yourself and your insurance;
- First, you have a right to legal representation and an attorney to help with the claims process and any other issues that might crop up.
- You also have a right to fair compensation for injuries and damages if you’ve been involved in an accident due to someone else’s negligence.
- Finally, you have a right to report and document any accident or harassment digitally for the authorities and as evidence for legal proceedings. This documentation can involve dashcam videos, pictures, descriptions, plate numbers, voice recordings, and insurance information of those involved.
Apart from following the law and taking notes of the necessary safety tips, you also have to know your rights and be ready to defend them. This is why you’ve got to trust Attorney Wayne Resmini when it comes to dealing with all your legal issues on the road.
