Posted in Accident & Injury, Car Accident on March 13, 2015

Springtime means flowers are in bloom, trees grow new leaves, and… the roads are full of potholes. While beautiful, spring in Ohio presents plenty of driving challenges, so be sure to follow these important tips when you hit the road.

Spring Driving Tips

• Share the road. Warm weather brings motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians out on the roads. Many pedestrians are distracted by texting, talking on cellphones, and listening to music, so they may be unaware of the traffic around them. Be extra cautious around intersections and in residential communities.
• Slow down in wet conditions. Reduce your speed and increase your following distance when it rains—even if it’s only misting. Remember, even a small amount of water can mix with oil and road dust to create slippery conditions.
• Replace your wiper blades. Be sure your vehicle is ready for spring showers by replacing your windshield wipers at least once a year. Don’t drive faster than your wipers can clear water from the windshield.
• Avoid driving through puddles. As tempting as splashing through big puddles can be, try to avoid them. Potholes may be lurking beneath the surface and spraying water can impair your brakes, cloud your vision, or cause you to hydroplane and lose control of your vehicle.
• Keep your eyes peeled for bad road conditions. The spring thaw reveals potholes, crumbling pavement and other hazards. If possible, go around potholes. They can damage your tires or throw your car’s front end out of alignment. Before maneuvering to avoid a pothole, check surrounding traffic to ensure this will not cause a collision or endanger nearby pedestrians or cyclists. If you can’t avoid a pothole, try to slow down without slamming on your brakes.
• Keep your tires properly inflated. Tires are your car’s first line of defense against damage from potholes and uneven pavement. When checking the pressure in your tires, ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s door.
• Watch out for animals. Spring means animals are emerging from hibernation and entering mating season. Scan the roadside for critters, keeping in mind that many animals, especially deer, may travel in groups and are most active at dawn or dusk.

Now get out there and enjoy this gorgeous spring weather!