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The warmer daytime temperatures and the disappearance of snow of ice from the streets and sidewalks are sure signs that spring has arrived in Ontario. More cars and other vehicles take to the roads as individuals and families travel to parks, lakes and other recreation areas to enjoy the change of seasons, but accidents can occur as motorists must share the roads with more motorcyclists, joggers, children at play and bicyclists than might have been out during the long, cold winter. Drivers and others using the roads, streets and highways can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries by following a few safe driving tips for springtime.
Don’t be fooled by the nicer weather
The springtime weather in Ontario can change dramatically. Daytime temperatures could be warm and pleasant, but icy conditions can prevail in the early morning or late evening hours. Freezing rains, snow and icy conditions might not be completely gone, so drivers with winter tires should keep them on their vehicles until the danger of freezing temperatures has passed.
If you are driving at night or in the early morning, wet road surfaces can freeze and cause icy and slippery surfaces. Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you to give yourself the time and distance to come to a safe stop regardless of the road conditions.
It’s also a good idea to allow extra time when driving somewhere. Rushing is never a good idea when you are driving, but it is dangerous when there is a light dusting of snow or ice on the road.
Road surfaces take a beating during the winter
The freezing and thawing that happens to roadways creates potholes. It is very easy to lose control of your vehicle when a tire makes contact with a pothole. Drivers must scan the road surface ahead of them to identify potholes or other damaged areas.
Melting snow and spring rain can result in flooded roadways. Drivers can lose control of their vehicles by driving into a flooded portion of the road. Unless you know what is under the deep water, you should avoid driving through it in case the road surface has been washed away.
Equally as dangerous to springtime driving as potholes and damaged roads are the risks posed by road construction projects. Projects suspended or delayed during winter usually get underway in the spring. Drivers need to be away of construction zones and reduce their speeds and increase their focus on driving to avoid having an accident.
Distracted driving causes accidents
The increased number of cars and people using the streets and roads requires drivers to focus their attention on the task of driving. Children darting into the road or bicyclists riding in the roadway can be struck by a vehicle operated by a driver distractedby a conversation on a cellphone, a text message or by a GPS device.
Maintain a safe stopping distance
All the sand road crews spread on the roads during the winter to improve traction when there is snow and ice can have the opposite effect for springtime motorists attempting to make a sudden stop. The sand can cause a vehicle to skid when traveling on curves or when attempting to make a sudden stop. Slow down and leave extra traveling time to avoid rushing to get to where you are going.
Ontario personal injury lawyers
If you are injured in a springtime driving accident, the personal injury lawyers at Diamond and Diamond have many years of experience successfully handling compensation claims for people injured through the negligence of other parties. Call their 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit their website to speak to someone now. They offer free consultations and case evaluations to injured victims throughout Ontario.