Spring Safe Driving Tips

We did it — spring is finally here! After being cooped up in the house all winter, we’re sure you’re ready to enjoy all that New England has to offer. But before you hit the road, it’s important to think about the unique hazards that spring presents for drivers.

We want to help you enjoy spring to its fullest, which is why we’ve put together some tips to help you navigate tricky driving conditions to keep everyone safe on the road.

Spring Car Maintenance

Winter conditions can take a toll on your car, making spring a great time for a tune-up! Change your oil and check fluid levels and filters. Before spring showers start, it’s also helpful to inspect your wiper blades and replace them if they are cracked or damaged. And don’t forget to check your tire pressure, which can change as the temperature rises!

Pothole Safety 

Potholes can be a big problem in the spring. Driving over a pothole, especially if you’re going fast, can throw off your alignment or suspension and even cause damage to your tires. If it’s safe and possible, try to avoid driving directly over a pothole. If you can’t safely avoid it, make sure to slow down and firmly grip your steering wheel as you drive over it. And don’t forget — puddles can hide potholes, so always use caution when driving over large puddles of water.

Rainy Day Tips

April showers don’t just bring May flowers, they also bring slippery driving conditions. A wet road can be just as slippery and dangerous as an icy one as tires can easily hydroplane in heavy rain. When driving in wet conditions, follow these precautions:

• If your windshield wipers are on, your headlights should be on too.
• Keep an additional five second following distance between your car and the car in front of you to avoid unexpected collisions from quick braking.
• Avoid driving over large puddles when possible to prevent hydroplaning or flooding.
• During a rain storm, always drive slow and carefully. Safely pull over and wait for it to pass if visibility is low or you feel unsafe.

Keep an Eye Out for Pedestrians

As the temperatures increase, so do the number of people out on the roadways. Always be alert to pedestrians, especially in busy residential or commercial areas. Remember to always stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and be especially cautious when driving through school zones.

Double Check for Bicycles and Motorcycles

Once the weather warms up, you’ll also see more bicyclists and motorcyclists out — making it especially important to always share the road! Check your mirrors and blind spots for cyclists before changing lanes or making turns. Because of their narrow profiles, motorcycles and bicycles can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spot, so always take an extra moment to identify them. Cyclists also have the right to take up an entire travel lane, meaning you shouldn’t pass them unless you have ample space to do so safely. If you’re parked along the road and existing roadside, make sure to always check for bikers before opening your door.

Check Your Car Insurance Policy

No matter how careful you are, accidents can still happen, which makes having the right auto insurance policy in place a must! Your Bearingstar agent has a full understanding of auto insurance and can guide you through the process of selecting the best coverage for you, while also providing you with options for any additional protection you may need. Contact a Bearingstar Insurance agent to review your car insurance policy today.

We hope these tips help you safely enjoy springtime in New England. If you have more questions about how to protect yourself on the road, feel free to reach out to a Bearingstar Insurance agent anytime — visit our website or give us a call today!