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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So you’ve just got your license and you’re all set to hit the ground running, right? Wrong. You still don’t know all there is to know about driving, especially driving alone for the first time. We are offering some new driver safety tips to get you a little more prepared for the road.

1. CHECKLIST

First, it is important to create a checklist of good habits to start when you first sit in the driver’s seat. It should look something like this:

• Fasten your seatbelt
• Adjust your seat
• Adjust your mirrors
• Check your emergency and turning signals

2. KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Secondly, the most essential step is to familiarize yourself with your vehicle. Its just you and your car now. The two of you have to become one to react quickly on the road. Find your buttons, lights, signals, etc. Knowing where they are can help avoid distraction on the road.

3. TEST DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE

In following with the second step, you want to test drive your vehicle in inclement weather to know how it reacts. Generally, you may want to start in a parking lot or less crowded roads.

4. CHECK YOUR BLINDSPOT

The Blindspot is exactly that. Its an area just outside of your peripheral vision, and anyone driving in it is risking their safety. Be sure to look over your shoulder, or sit up enough to see your blindspot in your sideview mirrors before turning or changing lanes.

5. DO NOT USE ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHILE DRIVING

In addition, with all the new technology, its very tempting to connect your phone to your vehicle. You may think its cool to answer calls through the car speakers or to play music from your favorite playlists, but this is only convenient for more experienced drivers. To you, its just another distraction. Most importantly, don’t text. I’m sure we don’t need to elaborate on this point.

While there are many other ways to practice safe driving as a new driver, starting with these tips will increase your chances of staying safe on the road.

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