Be On The Lookout For These Three Road Hazards This Spring

As the calendar is just about to turn to March and the weather is slowly but surely warming up it is time to talk about the dangers that exist when you hit the road in the spring. There are more hazards on the road to deal with in the spring that could lead to a New Haven auto accident then you might expect and they go well beyond the weather conditions. It is important for you to beware of all the hazards that are possible during the spring months so you can get to your destination safely.

Before we get into the non-weather specific hazards that exist during the spring, it is important to remember that some weather conditions do still exist and can be quite serious in making your ride treacherous. While snow and ice are less likely, there may be a morning or evening that comes with slightly lower temperatures and could make a car ride a little slippery. If you are driving on a road and the temperatures fall below freezing be on the lookout for the snow and ice that could come falling down or is already on the road in front of you. Once temperatures really start to climb you may need to bring your rain boots and your good windshield wipers to protect against the heavy downpours that are common throughout the spring. As they say, April showers…and while we’re not quite in April yet, we most certainly will not be immune from an occasional pop up rain shower during the spring.

Weather conditions are a safety hazard year round, but they are not the only hazards that exist on the road in the spring. In fact, there are some very dangerous hazards that do exist as the result of the time of year we are in and therefore you need to be on the lookout for them. While every season has hazards that are dangerous, spring has a unique couple that could make your drive more dangerous then at other times of the year.

1.) Potholes. Sure you might see a stray pothole in the summer, but for the most part they have been filled in by then. Most potholes are created by the freeze-thaw cycles of the late winter and early spring that cause the ground to expand and contract. When potholes form they can become quite serious and if you hit one with your car you may get thrown off your course and be in a situation where you are going to get into an accident because you’ve lost control of your car. If you see a pothole, proceed with caution and do not pass over it directly. Wait until you have an opportunity to drive around the pothole to avoid it all together. If you’re traveling on side roads you may want to slow down a little bit because potholes have a tendency to sneak up on you when you’re least expecting it.

2.) Animals can also be a significant hazard as the weather starts to warm up. Wild animals like deer and other large cat breeds might be coming out of the woods and become more active in the spring. Other animals like dogs and house cats may be out more in the spring and could dart out in front of your car causing you to swerve and get into an accident. If you are traveling on a rural road or a in a densely populated neighborhood you will want to proceed with caution as animals, like kids, are likely to dart out without looking both ways and they may cause you to swerve or slam on your brakes suddenly putting you at risk of getting into an accident.

3.) Finally, spring is road construction season. Road construction season comes with all different kinds of hazards like lane closures, speed traps and stop and go traffic. If you’re not careful you may end up getting a ticket or getting into an accident. Road construction projects also come with the added danger of you getting injured, but also the workers who are doing the work getting injured as well which could add a whole new layer of issues to your incident. Make sure when you are approaching and passing through work zones, regardless of the season, that you follow all posted signs and are paying attention at all times. Even the slightest glance down could put you at risk of getting into an accident.

Of course New Haven auto accidents happen year round, but you should be aware of the different seasons and how they might affect your ability to operate your vehicle safely. If you know what to expect you will be much more likely to be able to avoid it or navigate the hazard so you remain free from an accident and any injuries or property damage.

Accidents do happen and if you’re ever involved in one you made to speak with an experienced attorney who understands the situation you are in. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.