EVEN THOUGH ICE AND SNOW ARE OUT OF SEASON, SAFE DRIVING ISN’T! SPRINGTIME DRIVING PRESENTS ITS OWN HAZARDS.

1. Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists. As the weather warms, more people will be outside jogging, running, and dog walking. Remember to share the road with bike riders. They have the same right of way as automobiles.

2. Share the road with motorcycles. Because of their speed and size, motorcycles may quickly come in and out of your blind spots. Always take a second look now that motorcycles are out on the road. In addition, be courteous. Motorcycles have the same right to be on the road. If you end up following a motorcycle, maintain a safe following distance of at least four seconds.

 3. A Doe, oh Dear! With springtime comes the deer caving season. Does and fawns will be frequenting roadsides looking for food. It’s not uncommon for drivers to have accidents involving deer strikes. While on back roads and highways at night, don’t drive faster than your headlights so that you can keep an eye out for deer and any other nocturnal critters.

4. Keep an Eye on the Weather. Spring storms pop up quickly, sometimes on the most beautiful days. Download a weather app that will send you push notifications so that you’ll be aware of any watches or warnings for your location.

5. Turn Around Don’t Drown. April showers bring May flowers. Spring weather brings heavy downpours. If you see water running over the road, don’t attempt to drive through it. Instead, find another route.

6. Understand the impact of medications on driving: For many people, spring means seasonal allergies. Over-the-counter allergy drugs can have side effects or interact with other medications to diminish your driving ability.

7. If possible, go around potholes: Deep potholes can throw your car out of alignment or worse, forcing you to buy a new wheel and a new tire. You may be able to file a claim (laws differ from city to city and state to state), but you you’ll likely have to prove negligence on the part of the city.

8. Get your Vehicle Serviced. Colder winter months can wear down batteries, engines and tires. 
        ◦Making sure windshield wiper blades and headlights are working well.
        ◦Replace blades at least once a year for best results.
        ◦Checking that rear and brake lights are functioning properly. They help your 

          vehicle be seen in rainy weather.

Take your car to a local dealer for a check-up before you head out on those Spring Break adventures.