The days are getting longer, temperatures are improving, and we may feel more like taking the car out for a drive. Or we earn our living with a tow-truck service. Yes, it's spring.
Since 20 March, to be precise. The fields are in bloom and animal species begin their breeding season as the weather becomes milder, especially in temperate areas like ours. Those who suffer from allergies or spring fatigue are not exactly at their best. Driving if you have allergies can be an ordeal. And things are far from easing: by 2050, it is expected that 50% of the population will be allergic.
Unsettled weather is typical of the between-seasons period, which is why we go a bit mad with our clothes when we leave home. The day may dawn with glorious sunshine and then, suddenly, a strong wind picks up or it clouds over.
How does spring affect driving? Quite a lot. That is why we are going to set out a few recommendations if you find yourself driving every day:
- We all know it can rain or hail in spring. But we must be extremely careful with fog, which can appear without warning. In all these cases, keeping a safe distance is a priority, switching on dipped headlights and fog lights if necessary.
- How to drive safely in the rain in spring? By bearing very much in mind that, because of sudden showers, we may face aquaplaning, to which we devoted this article some time ago. Accidents can soar by almost 8% at this time of year, and not only involving cars: motorcycles too.
- Spring rain must not catch us off guard: however light it may be, it will always carry a risk of accident. Drive at a reasonable speed, even below the limits. Think carefully before overtaking, checking whether you can do so safely and without endangering any road user, or the people travelling with you who trust you.
- Puddles on the road (or standing water) are very unpleasant and dangerous, for us and for other drivers. Slow down when driving through them.
- The combination of rain, mist and low temperatures can result in ice. On an icy road, the only option is to take extreme care. The same goes for damp conditions.
