As winter turns to spring, motorists will no longer have to deal with snow or icy roads, but there are other springtime road hazards that could potentially contribute to a car accident. By familiarizing yourself with some of the most common dangers related to spring driving, you can keep yourself and your passengers safe on the road.
Causes of Springtime Accidents in Georgia
Every year near the start of spring, Georgia residents (along with most of the country) turn their clocks forward one hour as Daylight Savings Time begins. This is commonly referred to as “springing forward.”
While many people look forward to longer daylight hours, the switch can be jarring, and there is evidence that a higher-than-usual number of car accidents occur around the switch to Daylight Savings Time. This is likely because springing forward disrupts our usual routines, and it takes the human body some time to get used to the time change.
Motorists also tend to be more cautious in wintertime when driving on snow and ice. When those dangers disappear, motorists are more likely to drive carelessly. As we enter the spring season and the weather warms up, there are some potential driving hazards you should be aware of, including:
- Sun glare – Sun glare is a common cause of car crashes in Georgia and is typically most hazardous if you are driving in the direction of the sun at sunrise or sunset. However, there are steps you can take to reduce sun glare. Polarized sunglasses are a great option for any motorist looking to shield their eyes from the sun. Bugs, dirt, and other debris on your windshield can actually worsen sun glare, so be sure to clean your windshield frequently. You could also consider altering your usual route to reduce your chances of driving directly into the sun when Daylight Savings Time begins.
- Potholes – Roads often suffer structural damage during the winter months, and as icy roads begin to melt, they can leave cracks or potholes in the existing pavement. Hitting a pothole can cause significant damage to your vehicle and lead to an accident. Potholes can sometimes be difficult to spot, but you can reduce the risk of hitting one by remaining alert.
- More motorcycles and bikes on the road – As the days get warmer, motorcyclists and bikers will probably begin hitting the open road in higher numbers. Even when motorists pay attention, they can still sometimes fail to notice nearby motorcycles and bicycles. This is because drivers tend to focus on other passenger vehicles, and smaller vehicles can easily disappear in a motorist’s blind spots. You can protect motorcyclists, cyclists, and yourself by avoiding distractions like texting and properly checking your blind spots before changing lanes.
- More kids playing outdoors – As the weather improves, you can expect to encounter more children playing outside near roadways or even in the street. When driving through residential areas, it is critical to lower your speed and remain hyper-aware of your surroundings.
- Increased rainfall – April showers bring May flowers, as the saying goes. Increased rainfall in the spring can also contribute to car accidents. Wet roads can cause motorists to hydroplane and spin out of control. Rainfall also decreases visibility, making it more difficult for motorists to spot potential hazards. You should reduce your speed to accommodate inclement weather conditions, even if it means driving below the posted speed limit.
While it may be exciting to hit the open road as the weather improves, accidents can still easily happen for various reasons. Distracted driving, intoxicated driving, driver fatigue, speeding, tailgating, aggressive driving, and other negligent driving behaviors can all contribute to devastating crashes. That’s why it is crucial to continue exercising the same level of vigilance you did during the winter months.
Getting Your Car Ready for Spring
Preparing yourself for the onset of spring is crucial, but so is preparing your vehicle. In fact, making the proper preparations now can help you avoid accidents later on.
- Get a carwash – Washing debris off your vehicle can help prevent rust and corrosion.
Check your wiper blades – Spring tends to be rainier than other seasons, so you should make sure your wiper blades are in good working order. If they seem worn down, replace them. - Inspect your lights – Because you are likely to encounter rainstorms while driving in the spring, you should ensure that all of your lights are working properly. It’s critical to ensure other motorists can see you in low-visibility conditions.
- Maintain your tires – Cold weather can damage your tires. Check your tire pressure and make sure your tires are fully inflated. If your tire tread has become worn down, you should consider replacing your tires.
- Make sure you have working brakes – Do a brake test to ensure that your brakes function as they should. If your car is low on brake fluid or your brake pads have deteriorated during the winter, you might need a tune-up.
If you are involved in an accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights. The first thing you should do is call 911. When the authorities arrive on the scene, they will create an accident report, which is a vital piece of evidence in any insurance claim. You should also collect as much evidence as you can at the scene (take photos and ask witnesses for their contact details) and then seek prompt medical attention, even if you don’t think you are seriously hurt. Finally, you should discuss your situation with an accomplished car accident lawyer.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers in Lawrenceville, GA
If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you could hold them responsible for the financial and non-financial losses you suffered. A Lawrenceville car accident attorney at Brauns Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, PC can offer you legal advice, gather evidence to support your case, and help you bring a successful claim or personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
