After veering off the road and crashing into a tree, two people from Stearns County, Georgia, were hospitalized. The Sheriff’s Office said the vehicle was being operated by Tammy Marsh of Midville. Her passenger, Trinity Taylor, also of Midville, was taken to the hospital along with Marsh. Both suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Why Spring is Dangerous for Drivers
The dreary days of winter seem to be fading away. While you may think this means that the roads will be safe again, that is not always the case. There are plenty of reasons why spring roads can be almost as dangerous as those in the winter.
- Flooding and Rainy Days: Spring rains can cause road conditions to be slippery and flood. Why are wet roads slippery? Big puddles can cut down on traction and cause your car to hydroplane. The wet pavement also increases the distance it typically takes to stop your vehicle and reduces your car’s handling ability.
- Hail: Even small hailstones can result in shattered windshields, so be wary of traveling when hail is a possibility.
- Animal Activity: Spring is the season in which animals get incredibly active. Many of them are emerging from hibernation and others are starting their mating season. This means that more animals are crossing the streets, particularly at dawn and dusk.
- More Bicycles: Not only do animals get more active when the weather gets nicer, but so do people. You are more likely to come across bicyclists and motorcycle riders when the weather breaks, so be on the lookout for these harder-to-see travelers.
Safe Spring Driving Tips
While you cannot avoid all of the above dangers, there are still plenty of ways that you can make driving in the spring safer.
- Check Your Lights: Spring rains hinder visibility, so make sure your lights are all in working condition.
- Replace Wiper Blades: Worn out blades will not adequately clear water from your windshield, so check them and replace them if necessary.
- Tire Pressure: Winter weather can deflate your tires, so when spring rolls around, check and be sure that you have enough air in them.
- Slow Down: Because oil and other leaked vehicle fluids can mix with rainwater, the roads can be extra slippery. If you need to travel in the rain, slow down and allow yourself extra time to get to your destination.
- Be on the Lookout: When the weather gets nice, people and animals alike all get out and about more often. Keep your eyes open for animals crossing the road as well as smaller, more vulnerable vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today
While we would like to think the worst of the road conditions disappear with winter, that is not always the case. Poor road conditions, migrating animals, and rain showers can make for unpleasant and dangerous road conditions, too. Even with using all of the above precautions to your advantage, accidents could still happen. If you find yourself the victim of a springtime car accident, you need to understand your legal rights. The attorneys at Lankford & Moore Law will review your situation and help you ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the compensation to which you are entitled. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
