Spring– With spring comes rain and warmer weather, two reasons you should be more attentive.

Rain

• Watch out for pedestrians. Umbrellas and hoods might keep them from seeing you.
• Drive cautiously. The first drops of rain cause roads to be slick.
• Avoid driving through big puddles. Brakes can be affected by the large amount of water and cause you to skid. Or, the splash may block the vision of other drivers, causing them to brake or swerve.
• Watch the road to see if the vehicle ahead of you is leaving tire tracks; if it is, follow in those tracks if you can. If it’s not, reduce your speed to prevent hydroplaning.
• Allow extra following distance between you and the car in front of you. A car needs two to ten times more distance to stop on a wet road than a dry one.

Warm Weather

Who doesn’t want to be outside in the spring after being in the house all winter? When you’re driving, be aware there could be activity nearby:

• Drive slowly. Be prepared to stop at any given moment.
• Look ahead, someone may be running into the street from between parked cars.
• Be aware that bicyclists will be sharing the road with you.
• See motorcyclists.

Summer– With kids home from school, you may be taking a vacation or just be out and about more. Here are tips for summer driving.

• Have your car serviced and inspected for safety.
• Wear your seat belt and make sure everyone else in the car wears their’s also.
• Stay Alert. When you’re tired, your reaction time is reduced and your awareness is decreased.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going so you don’t have to speed.
• Look ahead for road signs. Last minute lane changing is dangerous for you and those around you.

The end of summer is back to school time. Reading and remembering these tips could save a life:

• Be familiar with school zones. Get into the habit of noticing where school zones and crosswalks are on roads you generally take.
• Stop for school buses with flashing red lights. When you approach the bus, you must come to a full stop for the duration the red lights are on.
• Obey crossing guards.
• Anticipate the worst. Always be aware of the chance that a small child may run in front of you. By slowing down and preparing to brake, you may avoid an accident.
• Be extremely careful in areas with parked vehicles on the side of the road. Kids who are waiting to cross may be difficult to see behind parked large vehicles.
• Avoid backing up. Try to avoid reversing your vehicle in areas where there are children. It’s more difficult to see small children.