The driving experience varies throughout the year. The challenges for drivers on the roadways differ depending on the season. You can have ice in the winter, along with unexpected hail, snow, or rainstorms. In contrast, the sun’s glare through the windscreen and the increased number of people on the roadways during summer may be a problem.
Driving in several seasons can be challenging, especially when the weather might suddenly and drastically change. There are ways to drive safely, no matter the weather—snow, ice, rain, hail, sun, and even additional traffic can be successfully countered. If you do get into a wreck, a car accident lawyer in Atlanta may be able to assist you. Read on to learn more about safe seasonal driving.
Tips to Follow When Driving in Different Seasons
Even though the weather varies with the seasons, the roads always have dangers. You may decrease your risk of crashes by keeping your car in good condition and driving defensively. Unfortunately, accidents still happen despite measures. It’s crucial to be ready in case you get into an accident.
Summer and Spring Driving Advice
Many take longer road trips in summer and spring; we might even go off-roading. Regrettably, accidents happen far too frequently in the summer. Here are some recommendations for these months.
Excessive heat
This is extremely dangerous to children and pets. Never leave them alone in a car, especially on warm, sunny days. Get your battery checked to determine whether it’s still functional or if you must replace it because high temperatures can also quickly drain batteries.
Increased traffic
In good weather, more bicycles and pedestrians are on the roads, making drivers more cautious. For improved visibility, wear safety gear, test-drive the vehicle, and wear brightly colored clothing and headlights.
Potholes
You can prevent a bone-jarring, expensive collision with a pavement hole that could harm your car’s tires, rims, and suspension by slowing down and paying great attention to the road in front of you.
Tips for Winter Driving
The icy roads, snow, and freezing temperatures make winter conditions difficult for drivers. Go outside only when essential, but take easy precautions to make winter driving safer.
Check Debris and Grime on Your Windshield
Wipers and wiper blades can all distract you and impair your vision. Your wipers must also be well-functioning to handle the likelihood of heavier rain and snowfall. Make sure you get a winter-ready screen wash as well.
Check Your Tires
Tire grip is crucial, so you must keep them in good shape. We advise treading at least 3mm thick, even if the legal maximum is 1.6mm. Consider using snow chains or snow socks when it’s icy outside.
Cleaning the Exhaust Pipe
Keep an eye out for snow, ice, or mud buildup in your exhaust pipe since this can result in a catastrophic carbon monoxide leak inside your car while the engine is running.
Look Out for Mechanical Issues
Cold weather can worsen underlying mechanical issues, so keep an eye on your brakes, fuel, and oil levels and immediately look into any strange noises.
Tips for Fall Driving
Autumn brings shorter days, colder temperatures, rain, and many fallen leaves, all of which can be hazardous for drivers. This advice will help you prepare for the changing weather and autumnal roads.
Busy school zones
It’s crucial to obey school zone speed limits and pay attention to youngsters riding or walking close to schools during back-to-school season. Always stop for buses when the stop arm is extended and the lights flash.
Slick roads
Wet leaves, the first snow or ice of the season, and other winter weather factors can make the fall a particularly hazardous time of year for driving. It’s time to reduce your speed and adjust your car’s behavior on wet roads.
Wildlife
Fall is the busiest time of year for animal collisions, with 1.5 million car accidents involving deer. Slow down, pay attention to warning signs, brake forcefully, avoid abrupt swerving, and call the police for assistance when driving through regions with deer or elk.
Roadside Assistance
Despite all of our measures, we occasionally require assistance while driving. Consider including roadside assistance in your coverage for further security. Typical roadside help services include towing, lockouts, flat tire repairs, fuel, motor oil, and dead battery jumps.
Make sure you are ready for an accident by knowing what to do and what not to do to protect yourself.
The Bottom Line
Everyone can play a part in promoting road safety and taking steps to stop the millions of avoidable traffic fatalities that happen every day of the year, not only during the holidays.
Governments must also ensure that the nation’s roads and transportation systems are safe for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, particularly by implementing dedicated bike lanes, walkways, and crash victim care.