Springtime in Atlanta is here, with warmer temperatures, blooming flowers and—let’s face it—a pollen count that’s constantly climbing. But while spring means more chances to enjoy the outdoors, it creates a few new driving challenges as well. Here are our tips to stay safe—whether you’re navigating in-town roads, hitting the highway or headed out of town for spring break.
Watch the wet roads. Here in Atlanta, we typically get a good mix of sunshine and rain in the spring. However, downpours can come on suddenly, leading to flooding and slippery roads. If it’s raining or even misting, you’ll want to slow down and leave extra space between your vehicle and other cars. Turn on your lights at the first sign of rain. Doing some spring-cleaning on your vehicle? Now is also a great time to replace old wiper blades.
Give your tires a checkup. Winter, even in a city with little road salt use, can be hard on tires. Check yours for signs of wear, including worn or uneven treads or damage to the sidewalls. Make sure they’re properly inflated, and, if it’s time, head to the auto shop for a rotation. Properly maintained tires will improve your traction during wet conditions.
Spring forward slowly. Don’t underestimate how much a one-hour time change can disrupt your schedule. Daylight Saving Time can easily set your internal clock out of whack. That, plus a darker morning commute may leave you feeling drowsy or disoriented on the road. If possible, give yourself permission to let a few things slide off your schedule in the weeks immediately after the time change. Now’s a great time to set new, healthy sleep habits.
Stay alert. If you experience allergies, check the warning labels on your antihistamines before driving. Both prescribed and over-the-counter antihistamines can cause drowsiness (often made worse when combined with alcohol or other medications). Talk to your doctor and pharmacist to understand your medication and how it might affect your alertness on the road.
Make space. As the weather warms up, you’ll see more people out on their motorcycles, bikes and scooters. Pedestrians will be out in force, as will joggers and kids playing. Give them space and drive slowly.
Watch for animals. City wildlife and household pets tend to get spring fever as the weather warms. As you navigate in-town or suburban streets, follow speed limits and be on the lookout for animals darting across the road, as well as leashed dogs wandering off the verge. If you’re in a rural or semi-rural area, remember that deer are most active at dawn and dusk.
Atlanta Personal Injury Attorneys
Unfortunately, springtime hazards, including wet roads or poor conditions, can sometimes lead to car accidents. If you’ve been injured in a crash, you need an Atlanta car accident attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Litner + Deganian for a free consultation.
