As temperatures start rising, people start thinking about the spring. They plan their gardens for the year or otherwise begin preparing for the change of seasons. One of the most important tasks for people to complete during the change of seasons is an adjustment of driving habits.
Every season has unique road hazards that drivers must be ready to encounter. While the spring may not seem as dangerous as the winter, there are many traffic hazards that can cause preventable collisions during the spring in Kentucky.
What factors contribute to heightened risk on the roads as temperatures rise?
Rain and flooding risks
The spring brings increased precipitation. While that may be great for vegetation, it is not necessarily the safest situation for drivers. Wet pavement affects vehicle control and is a contributing factor to many crashes.
Animal activity
Humans aren’t the only ones looking forward to the spring. Animals that have remained somewhat dormant during the winter are much more active during the spring months. For many species, the spring is mating season. People may encounter more animals crossing the road, which can result in preventable crashes.
New potholes
The change of seasons comes with rapid fluctuations in temperatures. In some cases, roads quickly freezing and unfreezing may result in new potholes developing. People who don’t expect to encounter potholes could end up damaging their vehicles or swerving to avoid them. Either scenario could result in collisions.
Drunk drivers
Seasonal factors influence habits regarding alcohol. Those enjoying March Madness or celebrating St. Patrick’s Day might drive home after having too much to drink. People celebrating spring break might also overindulge. While drunk driving doesn’t spike during the spring like it does around the summer holidays, there are still many days when there may be more impaired motorists on the roads.
Farm equipment
The spring is planting season in the agricultural sector. There may be many tractors and similar machines traveling rural roads in Kentucky during the spring. Those slow-moving tractors can be a hazard on the road that can lead to people passing in unsafe circumstances or otherwise making mistakes that lead to crashes.
Road construction and repairs
As temperatures increase, work on local infrastructure tends to increase as well. Frequently, the spring sees an uptick in pothole repairs and other road construction projects. The traffic jams and distractions created by construction can lead to crashes.
Allergens that affect driving behavior
The last noteworthy risk relates to the high levels of pollen and other allergens during the spring month. Drivers experiencing allergic reactions may sneeze and may have watering eyes that affect their ability to monitor their surroundings.
Recognizing the seasonal hazards present during the spring months can help people act to more effectively protect themselves in traffic. Those involved in seasonal car crashes may need help exploring their options for covering collision expenses, and that’s okay.