Spring brings warmer temperatures, blooming landscapes, and longer days. However, it also introduces unique driving hazards that can increase the likelihood of accidents. Understanding these seasonal risks and how to navigate them can help drivers stay safe on the road.
Weather-Related Hazards
Spring weather is unpredictable, often shifting from sunshine to sudden rain showers. These changes can create hazardous road conditions, such as slick surfaces and reduced visibility.
Wet Roads and Hydroplaning: Spring showers make roads slippery, increasing the risk of losing traction. To stay safe, reduce speed during rain and ensure your tires are properly maintained.
Fog and Glare: Early mornings may bring fog, reducing visibility, while the sun’s glare can make it difficult to see road signs or oncoming traffic. Keep sunglasses handy and use headlights when necessary.
Potholes and Road Damage: Harsh winter conditions often leave roads with potholes and cracks. Hitting a pothole can damage your vehicle or cause a sudden loss of control. Stay alert and avoid large potholes when possible.
Increased Traffic and Distractions
Springtime means more vehicles on the road, including cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians enjoying the pleasant weather. With increased activity comes a higher chance of collisions.
More Pedestrians and Cyclists: Warmer weather encourages outdoor activities, meaning drivers must be more vigilant in residential areas and near parks.
Tourist and Holiday Traffic: Spring break and holidays bring more travelers unfamiliar with local roads, leading to unpredictable driving patterns.
Distracted Driving: Drivers may be tempted to enjoy the scenery or check their phones. Stay focused and avoid distractions to maintain control of your vehicle.
Preventive Measures for Safer Driving
To minimize the risk of springtime accidents, drivers should take proactive steps to prepare for seasonal changes.
Check Vehicle Maintenance: Inspect tires, brakes, and windshield wipers to ensure they are in optimal condition.
Adjust Driving Habits: Slow down in wet conditions, maintain a safe following distance, and stay alert in areas with heavy foot traffic.
Stay Aware of Weather Conditions: Before heading out, check the forecast and plan accordingly for rain, fog, or sudden temperature drops.
Motorcyclists Are Back on the Road—And Harder to See
Warmer weather means motorcycles are out in full force. But here’s the thing—they’re much smaller than cars, which means they can easily slip into blind spots or go unnoticed at intersections.
The stats don’t lie:
In Georgia, motorcyclists make up just 2% of vehicles on the road but account for 11% of traffic fatalities.
Over half of motorcycle crashes involve riders without a valid motorcycle license.
Nationally, nearly 80% of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death, compared to just 20% for passenger vehicles. (NHTSA)
What happens after a motorcycle accident?
Statistically Speaking
In 2023, there were almost 243 million licensed drivers in the United States.
In 2022, that number was 238 million and in 2021, 232 million – 7,663,847 of them were from right here in Georgia.
With so many people on the road each day, it’s easy to forget what a dangerous practice road travel can be.
During the spring and summer months, fatal crashes tend to peak on weekends and between 8PM and 11:59PM, while non-fatal crashes tend to peak on weekdays – particularly Fridays – and typically fall between 4PM and 7:59PM.
So, what can you do to protect yourself and the ones that you love as you begin making plans for Spring and Summer vacations AND make the daily drive to and from work, school, the grocery store, your favorite restaurants, and more?
8 Ways to Avoid a Springtime Auto Accident
1. Buckle Up
Due in large part to stringent laws, an estimated 90% of front-seat adult drivers and passengers wear their seatbelts.
Unfortunately, among passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2020, more than half were unrestrained. It’s simply a best practice to buckle up and encourage your passengers to do the same.
2. Make Sure Your Children’s Car Seats Are Properly Installed
3. Don’t Text and Drive
4. Drive Sober and Rested
5. Don’t Block the Airbags
6. Make Sure You’re Properly Insured
7. Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists
8. Have A Good Personal Injury Attorney in Your Contacts List
That said, if you are involved in a springtime auto accident (or any other auto accident) that results in an injury to you or one of your loved ones, it’s important to have the number of a good personal injury attorney who can help ensure that you are awarded the settlement you deserve to aid in your recovery in your contact list.
What to do After a Car Accident
Despite precautions, accidents can still happen. If you're involved in one, take the following steps:
Check for Injuries: Ensure everyone is safe and call emergency services if needed.
Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move vehicles out of traffic to avoid further collisions.
Document the Scene: Take photos, gather witness statements, and exchange information with other drivers.
Contact a Lawyer: If you experience injuries or damages, seeking legal advice can help protect your rights.
Spring driving requires extra awareness due to changing weather conditions, increased traffic, and road hazards. By staying alert and following these safety measures, drivers can reduce their chances of accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, the Edmonson Law Firm is here to help.
If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident that resulted in an injury, we encourage you to contact us to schedule a FREE consultation where we will discuss your case in greater detail.
You can reach The Edmonson Law Firm, the leading law firm in Georgia for personal injury attorney cases, by calling (678) 271-9111, filling out our secure online contact form, or dropping by our office – located at 924 Gainesville Hwy, Suite 200, in Buford, GA. To learn about our other practice areas – including workers’ compensation and social security disability – be sure to visit us online at www.elf-legal.com.
From all of us here at Georgia’s Hometown Law Firm, we wish you and your family a happy and SAFE Spring!
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