Tips For Protecting Yourself And Other Drivers In Spring

Law Blog

Spring is almost here and the driving conditions outside are changing quickly! If you're one of the many people on the roads this spring, keeping up with the changes in weather, road conditions and the behavior of other people will help you avoid motor vehicle accidents. The following tips will help you react properly to these changing conditions, reducing your liability and helping to ensure your safety.

Know What to Do If Your Car Starts to Hydroplane

Driving through puddles after spring showers can cause your car to hydroplane. Avoid driving over puddles of unknown depths. If you find yourself hydroplaning over a puddle, do the following:

• Remove your foot from the accelerator. Don't brake, as this can cause your car to spin out of control.
• Gently straighten your tires until the car finds traction on the ground again. Don't swerve, because your tire movements will be exaggerated as your car slides over the water.

Practice Pothole Safety

Potholes often form as a result of water seepage beneath the road, which is why new potholes often form during and after rain storms. You're probably already in the habit of slowing down during rain storms, but it's also important to slow down in the hours and days after a rain storm is over. This will help you to keep up with the changing road conditions without having an accident.

When you encounter potholes, do the following:

• Don't swerve. Swerving could cause you to hit the pothole at an angle, which could do more damage to your car. Even if you miss the pothole, you could inadvertently hit another car.
• Be cognizant of your alignment after driving over potholes. Potholes can cause your car's alignment to become misaligned, which could cause your car to drift into other lanes.

Drive Safely With Motorcyclists

Spring is a time of year when many motorcyclists take to the roads. Knowing how to share the road safely with motorcyclists can help you avoid accidents.

• Motorcyclists often slow down by downshifting instead of braking. Don't rely on the brake lights of a motorcyclist to tell you whether or not the vehicle is slowing down. Leave yourself extra space when driving behind motorcycles.
• Distance between motorcycles can be difficult to judge. The small size of a motorcycle can make it harder to judge how far away the  motorcycle is. It can also be tough to tell how quickly the motorcycle is driving. Take this into account when driving near motorcycles.
• Use turn signals at all times. Motorcyclists rely on information from car drivers, like turn signals. Use your turn signals whenever appropriate, and be sure to turn on the turn signal a second or two before the turning event.

Know What to Do in the Event of an Accident

If you are involved in an accident with another driver this spring, whether because of hydroplaning, potholes, or for some other reason, you may need to defend your rights in court. Take notes on the event, including dates, times and locations. Take pictures of all damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle. If the police are called to the scene, obtain a copy of the police report. If you or your passengers need medical attention, acquire copies of all medical documentation. This paperwork could become important later if you are sued or decide to sue someone else. After the accident is over, consult with an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer to find out next steps. Your motor vehicle accident lawyer can tell you what you should do to protect yourself.

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25 March 2016