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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Numbers Speak for Themselves

The report states that “88% of young millennials engaged in at least one risky behavior behind the wheel in the past 30 days…” These risky behaviors include texting while driving, running red lights, and speeding. This generation is highly connected digitally, resulting in more distracted drivers. In this era of “smart technology,” in-car infotainment systems allow drivers to use connected devices while driving. Several other dangerous driving behaviors also factor into this study.

Survey Findings

The survey of 2,511 drivers from August 25 – September 6 reported the following findings:

• Traffic deaths increased by 7% to 35,092 in 2015. This is the largest single-year increase in nearly 50 years.
• Millennials acknowledged sending texts or emails while driving.
• Nearly half of Millennials admitted to running red lights when they could have stopped safely.
• Almost 12% of Millennials thought it was acceptable to drive 10 mph over the posted speed limit in a school zone.
• 2.5% of drivers admitted driving within an hour of using alcohol or marijuana.

David Yang, AAA Foundation’s executive director, says, “Alarmingly, Millennial Drivers ages 19 to 24 believe their dangerous behavior is acceptable.” He continues, “It’s critical these drivers understand the potentially deadly consequences of engaging in these behaviors. They must change their behavior and attitudes to reverse the growing number of fatalities on U.S. roads.” This report serves as a shock to some but a warning to all to practice safer driving habits.

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As if there aren’t enough hazards on the road already, a very common hazard is drowsy driving. Drowsy driving is a dangerous combination of driving and fatigue. Generally, driving drunk and driving with fatigue are equally dangerous. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that 21 percent of FATAL automobile accidents involve a drowsy driver. Evidently, many drivers have even admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at least once in their lifetime. That’s a scary thought! Here we have compiled some tips and important info when concerned with drowsy driving and how to avoid it.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that a tired driver contributes to:

• 6% of all crashes in which a vehicle was towed from the scene
• 7% of crashes in which a person received treatment for injuries sustained in the crash
• 13% of crashes in which a person was hospitalized

In total, their estimates suggest that a drowsy driver is involved in 328,000 crashes annually.

How do I know if I’m too tired to drive? The National Sleep Foundation gives us some warning signs.

• Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
• Daydreaming, or disconnected thoughts
• Trouble remembering the last few miles of your drive, missing turns, exits or traffic signs
• Consistent yawning
• Drifting, tailgating, or rubbing the shoulder strip.
• Feeling restless or irritable

Furthermore, if you ever feel sleepy while driving a vehicle, then you understand the many ways a driver will try to stay awake. Generally, some of the top ways a person tries to stay awake at the wheel are drinking a caffeinated beverage, switching drivers, opening car windows, listening to loud music, turning up the A/C, eating, smoking, pulling over to stretch or sleep. But after all, two of these options are proven to be effective in combatting drowsy driving–switching drivers and pulling over to nap.

How do I avoid driving tired?

1. Plan. If you know you’ll be out on the road, take a short nap ahead of time.
2. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
3. Drive with a friend. If you have a partner, you can switch drivers at the first sign of drowsiness.
4. Stay off the road between midnight and 6a.mI. If this is not possible, then be as vigilant as possible while you’re on the road. Watch for warning signs that you’re feeling drowsy, such as drifting across lanes or hitting rumble strips, and keep an eye on other drivers for the same behaviors.
5. Drink coffee or caffeine to stay alert, but not as a substitute for sleep. One thing to keep in mind is that coffee and other caffeinated beverages provide a temporary energy boost. After the effects of the caffeine have worn off, the feelings of drowsiness may return.

Additionally, make sure you get eight hours of sleep before a long trip. Also, you can make regularly stops at the 100 mile mark or every two hours. This will help you stay fresh and alert on the road.

In conclusion, drowsy driving is extremely dangerous and we would like you to take every precaution to stay safe!

If you or someone you know has been in an accident as a result of a drowsy driver, contact us now and find out how we can help get you back on the road safely. We are here for you!

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Winter driving presents unique challenges, so it’s crucial to take extra precautions to ensure your safety on the road. Follow these tips to prepare both yourself and your vehicle for icy and snowy conditions.

Assess Road Conditions and Drive Cautiously

Driving in snowy or icy conditions requires extra attention. Understand how your vehicle responds to ice and snow. If you notice cars swerving ahead, slow down and consider taking an alternate route. On highways or any road, double the usual distance between your vehicle and the one in front. Avoid speeding and stick to the right lane to minimize lane changes. This approach will enhance your control and reduce the risk of accidents.

Prep Your Vehicle for Winter Weather

Check Tires
Cold temperatures can reduce tire pressure, so regularly check and maintain the correct air levels. Make it a habit to inspect your tires each time you fuel up. Properly inflated tires are essential for traction and safety in winter conditions.

Inspect Windshield Wipers
Worn wiper blades can impair visibility. If your wipers leave streaks or fail to clear large areas, replace them. Investing in new blades, usually costing around $10, can significantly improve your visibility during snow and rain.

Test the Defroster
The defroster is crucial for maintaining visibility. Test it to ensure it’s working efficiently. If it’s not functioning properly, visit a repair shop. A well-working defroster is vital for safe driving in winter months.

Check Fluid Levels
Regularly monitor all your vehicle’s fluid levels. In winter, you’ll likely use more windshield washer fluid due to road salt and grime. Ensure your fluids are topped off to maintain vehicle performance and safety.

By following these steps, you can better prepare for winter driving and reduce the risks associated with harsh weather conditions. Stay safe on the roads this winter

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Braking. It seems so simple right? Not exactly. With a motorcycle, braking is a bit more strategic than pushing a pedal.These 4 motorcycle braking safety tips can help you handle braking when you’re forced to stop immediately:

1. Do not grab the handle and pull with all of your body weight.

This is the most natural reaction to anyone without motorcycle driving experience. Even with an automatic breaking system, pulling that brake lever with maximum force could send you flying. Pump the breaks, much like you would do in a car. Pull hard, but not abruptly. Use progression to avoid your tires locking and losing control.

2. Use both front and rear brakes.

Your front breaks may be doing most of the work, but the rear brakes are just as important. If you use only the front brakes, your rear tire will lift off of the ground and eject you forward. However, depending primarily on the rear brakes will not let you stop fast enough.
If you can hear your tires screeching against the pavement, you are braking too hard and have the potential to lose control of your bike.

3. Your weight has a lot to do with controlling your motorcycle.

Weight distribution is a huge contributing factor to breaking. You can counteract the forward ejection by straightening and locking your arms to keep you and the bike steady and connected.

4. If there’s an object in your path, use the correct breaking technique as you counter-steer.

Your automatic breaking system can assist here, and you can change your trajectory.

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Deer season is upon us. That means those little critters are much more active. You may spot a pair of glowing eyes in the dusk, but it doesn’t mean much until they’re 2 feet from the front of your bumper. It’s the most natural reaction to freeze in panic when a deer jumps in front of your car, and then there is the damage left after the initial shock. There are many safety measures you can implement to ensure your safety while driving during deer season.

Look for a sign. Keep an eye out for any warning signs of deer crossing or reduced speed limits. The more attentive you are and the slower you’re driving greatly increase your chances of spotting a deer in the distance.

Don’t get out of your car. If you do happen to hit a deer, let it be. A deer in fear can be a potential hazard to you. Call local authorities and inform them of your situation. Never try to help or move the deer on your own.

Keep the high beams blaring. It’s obvious that you can’t do this in heavily populated areas where traffic is always oncoming, but when visibility is reduced in the dark, turn on the high beams. This will enable you to see moving objects and animals in the distance and allow for more reaction time.

Click it! Always keep your seatbelt fastened. Nearly 200 fatalities in previous years were due to animal involved accidents. Don’t become a statistic, because you simply didn’t buckle up.

If your car is crumpled or dented as a result of a collision with a deer or any other large animal, you may be in need of collision repair. We are here to help. Stop by today for a free estimate.

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