When you’re planning to go out and drive, you don’t necessarily think about the hazards that you’ll come across. That’s why it’s important to sit down and think about the risks that you could face and to prepare for them in advance.
When you’re rushing out the door, you’re less likely to make time to check your tires or the weather, but spring and summer can make those and other actions necessities. Knowing what to expect at this time of year and being aware of the risks on the road can help you stay safe.
Wet roads are a major concern in spring and summer
April showers bring May flowers, unusually hot and cold days and somewhat unpredictable weather patterns in Massachusetts. By June, temperatures usually settle into a hotter range, but until then, drivers have to be aware of the risk of overnight freezes, slick roads and changing temperatures.
Keep in mind that wet roads could be problematic through the spring and into the summer. From frost melting to thunderstorms from changes in temperature, you have to be prepared to slow down and give yourself more time to brake.
Warmer weather shouldn’t mean speeding up
Realistically, warm weather shouldn’t be linked to people driving faster, but it is. Many people drive faster because they think that the roads are dry and the weather is clear. That’s risky, especially when winds kick up or a sprinkle recently made the roads slicker. Remember, even a minimal amount of water on the road could lead to slicker surfaces, and warm weather doesn’t negate the need to drive safely.
Spring and summer can be unusual times of year where the weather is a bit unpredictable and causes unusual changes to the road conditions quickly. As a driver, one of the best things you can do is to keep up on your vehicle’s maintenance, check your tire tread and be sure your lights are working properly. Slow down, and remember that the sun might make the conditions look good, but the roads may still be slick if you had a recent rainstorm. Taking your time and keeping an eye on the conditions can help you protect yourself against a serious auto accident.
