Spring Driving Tips

Springtime brings rain and the aftereffects of winter weather — potholes and uneven pavement. Keep these driving tips in mind before you travel:

1. Spring showers bring May flowers — and wet driving conditions: Slow down on slick roads, and increase your following distance even when mist begins to fall. Just a small amount of water can mix with oil and grease on the road to create slippery conditions.
   
   
2. Share the road: Warm weather brings out motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
   
   
3. Understand the impact of medications on driving: For many people, spring means seasonal allergies. Over-the-counter allergy drugs can have side effects or interact with other medications to diminish your driving ability.
   
   
4. If possible, go around potholes: Deep potholes can throw your car out of alignment.
   
   
5. Avoid driving through large puddles: Driving through water can impair your brakes, cloud your vision, or cause you to hydroplane.
   
   
6. Keep your tires properly inflated: Full tires can reduce the damage caused by potholes and other road hazards.

Also of interest: Quiz: Are you a smart driver?