Warmer weather, longer days and a blooming countryside makes driving in spring a real pleasure.
However, this time of year can present its own challenges to unsuspecting motorists as they enjoy the UK’s roads.
Here’s our top tips to help stay safe behind the wheel, whether it’s a pleasure drive, commute, shopping trip, holiday outing or for whatever reason to be on the road.
The sun has yet to reach its full height in the sky in spring, meaning it can still dazzle drivers, especially early in the morning and in the evening.
Ways to offset the blinding sun include wearing sunglasses with UV protection, pulling the sun visor down to block the rays, and keeping the windscreen clean to avoid any visual obstructions.
It’s also important to slow down and keep a good distance if there is a vehicle in front, so it gives extra time to make any possible avoidance manoeuvres.
April is one of the months of the year which has the most showers. While this is good for the garden, it’s not so enjoyable if driving in a sudden, and heavy, downpour.
The reason for springtime showers is because the jet stream is moving northwards, resulting in areas of large depression and lashings of rain.
The possibility of aquaplaning comes with standing water on the road, whereby the car’s tyres lose contact with the road surface.
Ways to help avoid aquaplaning include keeping tyres in a good condition, driving at a slower speed, and having an understanding of the driving conditions.
Drivers wanting to learn how to control a skid have the option to book a Skid Pan Control Session. Skills taught include how to handle skids and how to react in adverse driving conditions.
April showers can also fill up potholes with water, making them harder to spot but no less a motoring hazard.
Hitting a pothole can damage the vehicle and can also be dangerous. If a pothole has been hit then it’s sensible, when it’s safe to do so, to look for any possible damage to the vehicle, including to the tyres and underneath the vehicle.
Springtime sees significant pollen release, making it very uncomfortable for hay fever sufferers.
If driving, then non-drowsy medications are less likely to make users feel sleepy, a very important consideration when driving.
Our wildlife enjoys spring as much as we do, which means there’s the possibility of encountering animals crossing the roads as they move about, especially in rural areas.
When driving on a country lane, with plenty of twists and turns, then it’s wise to anticipate what might be on the road ahead, including muntjac deers, larger deers and badgers.
Safe driving is essential in spring, as it is all year round. Ways to increase confidence behind the wheel can be found through various driving experiences, including Rally Driving, Off Road Driving and Truck Driving, that push the skills of participants.
