Changes in the weather have a direct impact on road conditions. Most people don’t think of the spring as a particularly hazardous season. Instead, Long Island motorists are often far more anxious about how road conditions change during the winter months.
As winter fades into spring, many people have a false sense of safety and confidence on the road. They may not actively monitor for common seasonal safety hazards. Their oversights could increase their chances of a car wreck.
What traffic safety issues can lead to major collisions during the spring months?
Increased animal activity
After many frigid months, animals start moving more actively in the springtime. Many are near starving after months of limited food. The spring is also mating season for many animals. Multiple species of turtles, for example, may start crossing roads looking for mates or new sources of sustenance. Drivers sometimes have to make difficult split-second decisions when they encounter animals in the roadway, and how they react could potentially cause crashes.
Rainstorms
Rainstorms cause collisions in a variety of different ways. Active rainfall can impede visibility, making it hard for drivers to spot each other or pedestrians on the road. Additionally, wet pavement affects the ability to maintain control over a vehicle. Drivers generally have to slow down and increase their following distance during rainstorms. They may also need to maneuver more carefully. Failing to make these critical adjustments could lead to a driver losing control and causing a crash.
Foggy weather
As temperatures shift between cooler overnight temperatures and warmer daytime weather, fog may arise. Fog can occur at any time of year, but it is particularly common in the spring months. Fog in the morning can make the commute to work or the trip to drop children off at school particularly dangerous. Like rainstorms, fog impedes driver vision. Additionally, fog can leave pavement wet, leading to the possibility of drivers losing control.
If a motor vehicle collision does occur, the people involved may need help looking into their options for compensation and holding the right party accountable. Drivers who know about spring safety hazards can be proactive about prioritizing safety in traffic.