Spring driving
The sun is low in the sky, and rain showers are frequent. Be careful: these are just some of the hazards the new season can bring to the driver.
Spring brings showers and wet driving conditions
Slow down and increase your following driving distance. Roads can become slippery and dangerous with oil and water mixing.
Drive carefully through puddles
The water from puddles can impair your brakes, cloud your vision, or at worst cause you to hydroplane.
Watch out for others on the road
The milder weather will bring out a variety of road users: motorcyclists, cyclists, horses and riders and pedestrians.
Potholes
Watch out for roads in poor condition.
Hitting a pothole at any speed can throw your car out of alignment as well as severely damaging your tyres.
Routes used heavily by lorries tend to deteriorate more than others.
If you get a tyre puncture as a result of hitting a pothole, take a photo of the offending pothole and note the date and time of the incident. Many locals authorities operate a compensation scheme for such events.
Hey did you know?
With the exception of the years 2024, 2044 & 2048 (March 19), the first day of Spring will officially be March 20, up to and including 2050!
The March or Vernal Equinox is when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, moving from south to north. This is the first day of Spring!
Watch out for deer
Deer begin to migrate from their winter grounds to areas with food, and at this time of year, there are more animal-vehicle encounters. Drivers should be especially vigilant in early morning and evening when the animals are most active.
Be aware of medications and the impact they can have on driving
Spring means seasonal allergies for many drivers. Allergy drugs can have side effects or, taken with other medications, can affect your driving.
The Sun can be a hazard
During the spring and winter, the angle of the sun is low in the sky. This can be a hazard to the driver as it will often be to low for even your visor to be able to help.
With winter over now is a good time to check out your car
You should check out your car maintenance at regular periods and before any long journey. check the engine oil level, radiator level, windscreen washer level and tyre pressures.
Warning!
There are approximately two million deer living wild across the UK.
Gov.uk estimate that there could be up to 74,000 deer-related motor vehicle accidents this year alone, resulting in 400 to 700 human injuries and 20 deaths.
Watch out for the deer warning signs, keep yours wits about you and be careful.