All seasons of the year present drivers with challenges. In the spring, there are many factors that affect driving in different ways.
The changing weather and the awakening of animal and plant life are two of the hallmarks of this season of the year. It’s also a time when weekend commutes are on the rise; and where many events are held, special attention should be paid to driving a vehicle.
On the one hand, it is usually a very changeable weather station, with rain and temperature fluctuations. In addition, the sun begins to shine more strongly and life awakens from its hibernation, so there is a greater movement of animals and insects, and growth and flowering of plants, with an increase of pollen in the environment.
With the arrival of good weather, there are many who dare to go on excursions and take roads that border mountains or landscapes.
In this context, the driver can easily encounter an unexpected “pedestrian” in the middle of the road, such as wild boars on the road, hares or other animals. Likewise, it should be borne in mind that animals are more active in the early hours of the day and at dusk. Being vigilant and driving carefully in areas where this can happen is key.
Spring is known for its mild temperatures, which encourage people to forgo the air conditioning and decide to roll down the car windows to breathe in fresh air. However, this situation may involve the presence of an unwanted “fellow traveler”, such as a wasp, hornet or other insect.
Not only are there natural factors that influence road traffic, it is also a time when travel is on the rise, especially for weekend getaways; and where many events are held. With all these elements in the shaker, we at Carglass Spain want to launch a series of tips to make driving safer at this time of year.
1. Brightness changes
In spring we can experience all four seasons on the same day, with cloudy skies, lots of sun and even hail showers. Wearing good sunglasses in the car and knowing how to use the sun visors will help us to have a better vision and a more rested vision. Never use the liquid and the wipers with the sun in your face, because you can hardly see anything for a long time. This effect is accentuated, in gravity and time, with worn brushes.
2. Lots of rain
It is one of the times of the year with the most rainfall and it is the reduction in visibility, not the lower adhesion of the asphalt, that is the main culprit in the number of accidents in the rain. Even with the wipers on, the non-uniformity of the water layer on the glass is responsible for most of the reduction in visibility. This effect is multiplied if we have windshield wipers in bad condition, if the windshield is damaged (bumps, cracks, scratches…), or if it is stained with mud and grease that normally lies on the road. The application of an anti-rain treatment such as the one offered by Carglass® Spain means that the water droplets barely touch the surface of the glass, forming “pearls” that quickly roll down the windshield until they disappear. On the other hand, and as it happens in summer, when it rains and the asphalt is very hot, steam comes out which can also affect good visibility.
3. Vegetation is growing
The plants start to grow and can make it difficult to see through areas (inside curves, central reservations, intersections, roundabouts…) where, in winter and without leaves, there is perfect visibility. We must be alert to these changes in our daily routes, in which a car, motorcycle, cyclist or pedestrian could appear “out of nowhere” because it was hidden behind the vegetation. On the other hand, the fruits and sticky resins of some trees can fall on the windshield when we are parked, and are difficult to clean.
4. Polling appears
In the spring, the pollen content in the air increases exponentially. Allergy sufferers know very well how it can affect their vision (tears) and sneezing: five seconds at a time at 90 kilometers per hour means not paying more than 125 meters on the road. We should check our car’s pollen filter and pay attention to the allergy medication as it can cause drowsiness. In addition, a layer of pollen can also form on the windshield that needs to be cleaned well.
5. Animals on the road
Animal life is also active at this time of year, so the number of animals crossing the roads increases. If we come across one, it is better to drive over it before doing a dangerous maneuver that could cause it to roll over or go off the road. Only if the animal is very large (a cow, horse, or deer) may it be worth trying an evasive maneuver to avoid a dangerous collision.
6. More Birds
The same thing happens with birds. If you’re going to hit the windshield, keep a cool head and don’t move the steering wheel: the glass can withstand the impact and we’ll just startle. Another side effect of birds occurs when we park under a tree, in the form of droppings that are difficult to clean (even with wipes and liquid) and that obscure vision.
7. And more insects
Although there are fewer and fewer, in the spring the number of insects that are stamped against the windshield increases. You should use the wipers regularly so as not to jeopardize vision and to prevent insect residues from drying out and damaging the wiper blades. And if this isn’t enough, you have to stop by a gas station to thoroughly clean the windshield.
8. Start the dust in suspension
Just as it can be a week of rain, there can also be many dry days in the spring. And with them the dust appears in suspension. This powder sticks to the crystals and reduces visibility. It is important to choose well when to use the wipers to clean it, because the mud that forms on the windshield and the reflections of the light blind us for a few seconds.
9. Increase Traffic
With the nice weather, weekend trips increase, and with it road traffic. As always, patience at the wheel and understanding from drivers not used to driving on unfamiliar roads is recommended.
10. BBC Time of Events
Weddings, baptisms, communions, family reunions… In the spring, the “festival” of events begins, which can translate into long caravans of family and friends on the road; and for drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
