Drivers Beware; Spring Is On The Way
Article By: Scott Marshall
Scott Marshall is Director of Training for Young Drivers of Canada. He was a judge on the first 3 seasons of Canada’s Worst Driver on Discovery Network. Scott started writing columns on driving for his community paper since 2005. Since then his columns have been printed in several publications including newspaper, magazines and various web-sites. You can visit his own blog at http://safedriving.wordpress.com.
I would have to say my favourite season is spring. I like how the cold winter temperatures move out of the way for warmer temperatures, the snow melts away and the birds begin to wake us up each morning. This season also means I can keep my windows of my vehicle rolled down while I drive, enjoying the warm breeze blowing through my…scalp? Sorry, was dreaming there. Time for a reality check.
It’s true that spring is here, but this change of season also come drivers who may be tempted to change their driving habits, but unfortunately not for the best. There are more and more risks for drivers when the outside temperature rises. More kids are outside playing, more cyclists on the roads and more drivers hitting the roads too since the driving conditions are more desirable. These all make our job of driving safely more difficult. As drivers, we have to remember to never let our guard down. Just because the winter weather is gone and the nicer is arriving doesn’t mean driving becomes any easier.
Staying focused each time we drive is always important, but it can sometimes become difficult to do when we get excited about the nicer weather. Remember, you’re not the only person who likes the nice spring weather. You’ll find more cyclists on the roads again and those with motorcycles will be hitting the streets again. A cyclist may be coming up beside your vehicle and the curb. Keep checking your mirrors when you’re stopped before turning so you’ll be more aware of their presence. Perhaps even a quick glance into your blind spot can help you spot that hidden cyclist in the bicycle lane before you make that turn.
Warmer spring weather can bring fog to your area. Be prepared to drive in the fog by ensuring your headlights are clean. Using low beam headlights in the fog allows the driver to see the road surface beneath the fog. High beam headlights only reflect your vehicle’s headlights back at the driver, so always use your low beams. If your vehicle is equipped with fog lights, go for it and use them at will. They will be best to see the road surface underneath the layer of fog.
Since more kids will be outside playing, keep looking out for kids playing near parks and playgrounds. These areas can be busy at any time of day, not just after school or weekends. Keep your speed reduced to that of school zones and lower your radio volume. This can help you stay focused on the sudden changes of kids running toward the road, perhaps chasing after a ball.
We had to make changes to our driving when the winter season arrived, but now more changes have to happen when spring arrives. We always have risks when we drive, but with each season these risks can change. Regardless of the season, driving is a challenge. Will you rise to that challenge?