Top Tips For Safer Spring Driving

The blog this week is about some top tips for safer spring driving. As we start to move from winter into spring we need to adjust our driving along with being mindful of possible changing weather. We are currently experiencing beautiful sunshine and blue skies but weather forecasters have predicted snow next week…..go figure!?! So, there can be extreme differences in the weather as we transition into spring. How can you ensure that you drive safely through this season? Read on to find out more:

Driver distraction is a leading cause of traffic accidents. It is important to take regular breaks when embarking on road trips in order to stay alert. So plan to take regular stops along the way, get out of the car and stretch your legs. Ensure you stay hydrated by taking regular sips of water. It is so important to remember to stay focused on the task of driving and let your passengers enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of spring in safety. As we roll into a new season, there are ways we need to prepare both our vehicles and ourselves as drivers. Here are some top tips to help you enjoy spring driving safely:

1. Don’t be too eager to take off your winter tyres. They should be left on your car (if you have them) until the ambient temperatures stay above 7 Degrees Celsius.
2. We can still get some freak snow fall which means the warm spring sun can melt ice and snow near the road. This melted water can freeze when the sun stops shining on it and the temperatures drop below zero. If you notice wet-looking roads and the temperatures have dropped below freezing, expect there to be surface ice so make sure that you slow down and pay attention.
3. As the weather warms it will bring out motorcyclists and cyclists. There have been recent changes to the highway code regarding cyclists please make sure that you are up to date with these changes. We must share the road with all users. Looking out for and respecting each other is an important part of safe motoring.
4. On the other side of the safety equation, cyclists and bikers need to ride wisely and be visible to motorists. Cyclists should wear brightly coloured clothing or safety vests, use lights, keep left and ride in single file. The Laws of Physics are not on the side of the smaller vehicle in a collision.
5. Warmer weather brings more children outside. Slow down and pay very careful attention in residential and school zones. School kids are easily distracted by play, mobile phones and ear pods and don’t always notice, see or hear traffic. Be alert for teenagers who tend to be fixated on their texting, socialising, ipods and mobile phones and, as a result, won’t be paying much attention to traffic and what is happening around them. We have all seen people walking down the street busy texting on their phones we have even seen cyclists texting on phones. Pay attention to children doing paper rounds in the mornings, sometimes they have headphones on listening to music and perhaps cannot hear you coming. Be vigilant for them!
6. Heavy spring rains coupled with melt water can cause localised flooding - with the recent heavy rainfall and saturated ground it doesn't take a lot of rainfall for floods to occur at the moment. When encountering a flooded road never try to cross the flooded section as the roadway under the water could have been washed out. Instead, turn around and look for an alternate route. If you absolutely need to continue then drive slowly through the flooded water and ensure that you pump your brakes afterwards. We have written many blogs on this – please take a look at them.
7. Spring wreaks havoc on gravel shoulders. They can be much softer than usual from all the melt water. Use extra care if you’re pulling off the road or if you drop a wheel off on to the shoulder. Never jerk the steering wheel to rush your return to the road and never slam on your brakes - this could cause you to skid and lose control.
8. Many animals hibernate through the winter months and will now be on the move as they forage for food. Being prepared for this can help prevent animal deaths and damage to your vehicle. Slowdown in rural areas or where animal traffic is high. Motorists have died or have been seriously injured trying to swerve to avoid animals. Slow down - especially when you are driving down roads you are unfamiliar with. Less haste will see you safely navigate through country roads. Happy Safe Motoring Folks!

Here at ACC UK Ltd, Winners of The Motor Trader Independent Garage of The Year 2015, 2019 & 2020,  The Inspire Customer Service Excellence 2016 Award, The Eagle Radio Customer Focus 2017 Business Award, The Workshop Magazine Workshop Manager of the Year 2017 Award, The LiveWire Excellence In Vehicle Servicing 2019 Award and The Aftermarket Excellence Award for Best Website 2019, The Eagle Radio Biz Award – Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 & the SME News Magazine Most Trusted Car Servicing Provider 2020, we pride ourselves on offering an outstanding customer experience for a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Give us a call and let us quote you for your next service or repair on your Volvo or Toyota. We service all areas around Farnborough, Fleet, Aldershot, Farnham, Guildford, Frimley, Camberley, Hook, Sandhurst, Crowthorne, Yateley, Hampshire and Surrey. We offer free collection and drop off services. We also have a fleet of courtesy cars to allow you to get on with your schedule whilst your Volvo or Toyota is with us. Happy Motoring from all at ACC UK Ltd – Independent Volvo & Toyota servicing, repair and MOT specialists based in the heart of Farnborough, Hampshire.