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Getting ready for safe spring driving

On Behalf of | Jan 30, 2025 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

As winter will soon give way to spring, Connecticut drivers need to prepare for changing road conditions. While spring inspires warmer weather and longer days, it also features potentially injurious – and even deadly – driving hazards, such as wet roads, potholes and increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic. 

Thankfully taking a few specific precautions can help you stay safer and allow you to more effectively avoid accidents as you transition into the spring season soon. 

Take extra care on slippery roads

Spring showers may bring flowers, but they also create slick road conditions. Wet pavement can reduce tire traction, increasing the risk of skidding or hydroplaning. To stay safer:

  • Check Your Tires: Worn-out tires have less grip, making them dangerous in wet conditions; inspect your tread depth and replace tires if necessary
  • Drive Cautiously in the Rain: Reduce speed and leave extra space between your car and any vehicles ahead; avoid sudden braking or sharp turns on wet roads
  • Watch for Standing Water: Large puddles can hide potholes and cause hydroplaning; if you encounter deep water, drive through it slowly or find an alternate route

Essentially, if a road is wet, it is a more hazardous surface than it is when it is dry. By taking extra care on wet or otherwise slick surfaces, you’ll stay safer this spring. 

Get prepared for potholes

Connecticut winters take a toll on roads, leading to potholes that can damage your vehicle or cause accidents. To minimize risk:

  • Stay Alert: Keep an eye out for potholes, especially after heavy rain when they may be harder to see
  • Avoid Sudden Swerves: If you must go over a pothole, slow down rather than swerve suddenly, which could cause you to lose control
  • Check Your Suspension and Alignment: If you hit a pothole hard, inspect your vehicle for damage, including tire punctures and misaligned wheels, as unnoticed damage can contribute to heightened crash risk

Even if you live in an area with well-maintained roads, do not take the risk of spring potholes for granted. Doing so could cost you dearly. 

These are just a few of the ways that you can work to remain safer on the road this spring. Yet, with all of this said, it’s worth remembering that you do have legal rights and options if you end up involved in a crash despite your best efforts. 

 

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