Like most people, you may be ready to say goodbye to the days of wearing heavy coats and shoveling out your car in favor of spending time outdoors and driving with the windows down. While spring is a time for revitalization, you may find that like all other seasons, there are certain risks that drivers can face. As such, taking the time to familiarize yourself with the most common spring driving hazards is critical. Keep reading to learn what spring driving hazards you may face, how to avoid them, and why you should connect with Baltimore County car accident attorneys to explore your legal options for these matters.
What Spring Driving Hazards Should I Be Aware Of?
One of the most common hazards drivers will encounter in the spring is wet weather, due to the temperature change. As such, it’s important to understand the risks associated with driving on wet surfaces. When it rains and roads become wet, the risk of hydroplaning increases. This occurs when your tires lose traction with the road’s surface, meaning you are unable to break and can lose control of the vehicle. As such, it’s important to take extra caution when driving in wet weather. Be sure to slow down, avoid large puddles of water, and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.
Another major hazard you can encounter on roadways during the spring is an increase in potholes. These form when water seeps into the porous road surface and freezes, causing the asphalt to expand and become weaker. As the winter ends, overnight frost and warm temperatures can cause this to occur more frequently, leading to an influx of potholes littering roads. When left unremedied, vehicles that hit potholes can sustain damage and may even lose control of the car, leading to a collision.
Finally, the warmer weather will bring many people outside. As such, drivers must be on the lookout for an increase in pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. It’s important to be alert, as many people may not understand the right-of-way laws. As such, you should practice defensive driving methods.
If I’m Injured, What Should I Do?
When you are injured because of another party’s negligence, whether it be a driver speeding during rainy weather, a city failing to fix potholes, or a bicyclist ignoring the rules of the road, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney. You may be entitled to financial compensation for the damages you’ve endured at the hands of another person, but navigating a personal injury lawsuit on your own can be incredibly complex. Unfortunately, you may not know what your damages are worth, and the insurance company may try to take advantage of you.
When hurt, the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi can help. Our team understands the impact an injury can have on your life, which is why we will do everything possible to assist you in recovering the compensation you are entitled to. Connect with us today to learn how we will fight for you.