Winter’s Almost Over: Check Out These Spring Driving Safety Tips

The dangers of winter driving are nearly behind us – the snow, the ice, the salted roads. With spring just around the corner, many of us are looking forward to getting back on the road in our cars, SUVs, and motorcycles without worry of winter weather. However, spring can bring some problems of its own, including potholes, pedestrians, and surprise downpours. Take a look at our spring safe driving tips so this season doesn’t rain on your parade.

Be aware of leftover sand and salt patches

Sand and salt is great for treating icy roads, but after the ice is gone, patches of the salt/sand mixture can remain on the road and on the shoulder, making it hard for your vehicle to gain traction. Be aware of these patches, especially at intersections.

Don’t drive on flooded roads

The combination of rain, melting snow, and frozen ground can bring flooding to local roads and streets. Never try to drive through a flooded road, even if the water appears shallow. Turn around and find a safe route. It is impossible to tell if you are about to drive into a puddle or deep water, and you may risk not only damage to your vehicle, but also to your life due to undercurrents.

Know how to drive in the rain

Remember that spring can bring sudden downpours. Drive carefully in the rain, keep your headlights on, use your wipers, and leave more space between your car and others on the highway in case you need to brake quickly.

Look out for hail and ice storms

Even though it is spring, Maryland still experiences freak weather every now and then. We might experience a quick freeze or hailstorm in the early days of the season. Stay alert for patches of ice and take shelter if you find yourself out on the road during a hailstorm.

Potholes, potholes, potholes

Winter brings salt, sand, and snow plows. Pair that with the alternating warm and cold weather that leads into spring and you get potholes that can both cause major damage to your vehicle as well as serious car crashes. In some cases, you can make a claim against the state of Maryland for a pothole-related crash.

Watch for cyclists and pedestrians

Spring, especially the spring after a pandemic winter, is when most people are ready to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. This means more pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. It is important for drivers to be aware and cautious of this new influx of traffic.

And don’t forget your four-legged friends

Lots of animals are coming out of hibernation in the spring. If you see an animal on the side of the road or upcoming on the road, slow down and be ready to stop. If the animal is already on the road, resist the urge to swerve, as you could potentially cause a crash. Brake carefully and in a straight line. Always be most alert in rural areas and at dusk, when animals tend to be at their most active.

Perform a checkup on your car at the change of every season, and always remember to practice safe and defensive driving.

And if you are injured in a car crash that was not your fault, call the personal injury attorneys at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. for experienced representation. We will fight for your right to compensation for your losses. To schedule a free consultation about your case, give our Maryland offices a call today at 410-730-7737 or use our contact form.