Spring is rolling around, but that doesn’t mean the winter hazards are completely over! Weather related accidents make up nearly 1,259,000 of all car crashes each year. Wet pavement is something that you need to be weary of. So, here are some Spring Driving Tips that can help you stay safe on the road this season!

1. Heavy Rainstorms

• Windshield Wipers: Ensure they are in good condition and replace them if necessary to maintain a clear view during heavy rainfall.
• Windshield Wiper Fluid: Regularly check and refill your windshield wiper fluid reservoir to ensure you have an adequate supply for clearing your windshield.
• Tire Condition: Inspect the tread of your tires to ensure they are in good condition, as worn-out tires increase the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads.

2. Water on Roadways

Storm drains can become easily overwhelmed, which leads to the formation of deep puddles on roadways. Driving slowly through puddles is a safe technique because it reduces the chance of sliding and helps avoid hard impacts on objects that could be below the water. Hydroplaning is a major hazard because it causes your vehicle to glide on top of the water, and not make contact with the road. Traveling slowly is key in avoiding these hazards.

3. Slush and Mud

Slush on roadways presents additional challenges beyond hydroplaning. It acts as a barrier, increasing resistance between your tires and the road surface, making lane changes more difficult and potentially hazardous. This heightened resistance can affect vehicle handling and braking, requiring extra caution and attention from drivers navigating through slushy conditions.

Additionally:

• Stay Alert for Pedestrians: Warmer weather brings more pedestrians and cyclists to the roads. Stay vigilant and watch for pedestrians, especially in urban areas and around schools and parks.
• Be Prepared for Wildlife: Springtime means increased wildlife activity, so be alert for animals crossing roads, particularly in rural areas.

So Remember, always drive slowly during this transitional phase of the spring season, sunny weather is on its way and the best way to stay safe starts on the road!

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Everyone knows about bad driving habits: texting while driving, driving drowsy, etc. But, what are some good driving habits that can keep you out of the repair shop? After hearing thousands of auto collision stories, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 good driving habits to prevent accidents.

1. Avoid cell phone use.

This is an obvious one. Studies suggest that using a cell phone while driving, not just texting and driving, can quadruple your risk of being involved in a crash. Working in an auto repair shop, we believe this statistic to be true. It’s also been stated that using a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving with a .08 blood alcohol level.

2. Adjust your car mirrors.

Easy enough! We were all taught to do this during driver’s ed, but we shrugged it off. Yeah, yeah adjust my mirrors, okay. But eliminating blind spots is extremely important for safe driving. Check out the link to discover the most accurate way to adjust your mirrors.

3. Avoid driving in a hot car.

This tip sounds a bit strange, but you can get very distracted driving in a hot car. The discomfort causes frustration. You’re uncomfortable. You’re hot. You may even be a little sleepy from the heat. It adds up. To avoid this scenario, simply roll your windows down all the way when you get into your hot, parked car. We would even go as far as opening and closing your car door a few times to get some circulation going. When parking under the scorching sun, the inside of your vehicle can get up to 172 degrees.

4. Keep your keychain light.

Too much weight on your ignition can be a problem. The ignition switch maintains an electrical circuit. If your keys are excessively heavy, it can break the circuit. This means that your car can actually shut off while you’re driving!

5. Avoid eating and drinking.

A light snack and a sip of your drink at a stoplight is ok. However, trying to eat a full meal on the go can be incredibly distracting. If you’re starving, you shouldn’t be driving anyway. This can be a major distraction in itself. If you need to eat, pull over and scarf it down. If you’re eating while driving, and drop some food or spill a drink, you’ll inevitably take your eyes off the road.

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