3 crash safety concerns that escalate during the spring
When people talk about seasonal driving safety issues, the focus is often on the winter months. After all, Minnesota sees relatively harsh winters. Sleet, freezing rain and snow accumulation on the roads can lead to people losing control of their vehicles and causing major collisions.
Some of the worst crashes every year occurred during the coldest months, often during times of inclement weather. Multi-vehicle pileups and semi-truck jackknives often occur during blustery winter weather conditions.
Despite the focus on the winter months, there are unique seasonal hazards present at every point throughout the year. The spring may seem relatively safe, especially when compared with the winter months. However, there are several weather hazards present during the spring that might lead to an increased personal risk of a major collision.
Animal activity
After months of hibernation or limited food resources, animals are often eager to look for food and possibly mates during the spring. Increased animal activity unfortunately translates to increased collision risk. Sometimes, people collide with animals. Larger animals, such as deer, can cause massive damage to vehicles. Even smaller animals, like squirrels and rabbits, could lead to collisions if motorists swerve to try to avoid them.
Springtime rain storms
The spring often sees quite a bit of precipitation in the form of drizzly rain storms and even lightning storms. Active rainfall is a safety hazard on the road, as it can affect visibility. Wet surfaces on streets, both during and after rain, are the top cause of weather-related collisions in the United States. Those seasonal rainstorms could affect someone’s traction and significantly increase their likelihood of being unable to stop as traffic conditions change around them.
Spring break and seasonal holidays
High schools and colleges typically offer students a week off during spring. Spring break can lead to more young adults on the road, which may increase everybody’s chance of a crash. The celebrations associated with spring break might lead to drivers drinking alcohol or consuming drugs. The risk of an impairment-related crash is higher when more people experiment with mind-altering substances. The spring holidays also represent opportunities for impairment-related collisions. St. Patrick’s Day and Easter both often see people consuming large amounts of alcohol and potentially driving home after attending a social gathering.
Being proactive about watching for and avoiding seasonal road hazards may help people reduce their likelihood of experiencing a major motor vehicle collision.