Spring Showers, Slick Streets: Navigating New Haven Roads Safely After Winter

It may seem like weather worries are behind us now that we’ve had a pretty lackluster winter of very little snow and ice, but the truth is that the spring can be just as dangerous for weather related New Haven auto accidents as the winter can be. When you’re headed out for a drive in the spring there are some things you will want to keep in mind because the weather can be just as treacherous as it is in the winter as well.

As with any change of season you will want to do a quick vehicle check before heading out. Some of the things you will want to make sure you address are your tire pressure. Tire pressure has a tendency to fluctuate as the weather gets warmer and your tires could become overinflated if you’re not careful. As the weather warms up you will want to keep a close eye on your tires. Also, with the changing season the weather you will be dealing with may be different, but there is still a significant need for you to have functioning windshield wipers for any precipitation that may fall. If you did your due diligence at the start of the winter you should not have to worry about this, but if you had any difficulties at all in the winter you should check in on your wipers before the spring weather really kicks into high gear.

As always you will want to double check that your lights and turn signals are operating efficiently and lighting the way as there may be quite a few overcast and dark days ahead in the early spring months especially. You will also want to do an interior safety check to make sure your seat belts are functional and all your seats have access to a seat belt that is working well.

Once you’re ready to head out onto the road you may be facing some significant weather related issues that could put you in a difficult position. As long as you are aware of them and take note of them you will do just fine. Here are some road conditions you should be ready for as you are driving this spring.

Beware of Unexpected Slick Spots: Melting snow and ice can leave behind hazardous slick patches on New Haven roads, even on sunny days; these seemingly dry areas can still harbor hidden ice, especially in shaded spots or overnight.

Hydroplaning is a Real Risk: Spring rainstorms can lead to dangerous hydroplaning; slow down and maintain control on wet surfaces, avoiding sudden braking or sharp turns that can cause you to lose traction.

Increased Pedestrian and Bike Traffic: Be extra vigilant for pedestrians and cyclists who are more active in New Haven during the warmer spring months; always check your blind spots and be prepared to yield the right of way.

Pothole Peril: Winter’s freeze-thaw cycles often leave behind damaging potholes on New Haven streets; drive cautiously to avoid these hazards, which can cause tire damage, alignment issues, and even contribute to loss of control.

While knowing about these road conditions can help you avoid a New Haven auto accident it will not guarantee you will not get into an accident. There really is no guarantee for that, but if you take the steps outlined above to get your vehicle ready for the spring and then stay vigilant as you drive through the city to do everything you can to keep yourself and your passengers safe.

If an accident does happen you may want to speak with someone who has experience with the type of situation you are facing. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.