March 20, 2022 marks the first day of spring; but as temperatures start to warm so do new hazards for your fleet. Drivers normally consider extra precautions over winter months, when snow and ice make for treacherous driving conditions as well as personal safety issues when stranded. Spring may seem like a warmer, happier time to be on the road, but there are still things to plan for to keep your drivers safe and vehicles in top-performing condition.
Watch for wet roads
Spring rains and melting snows make for wet and slippery roads. In fact, 70 percent of accidents happen on wet pavement. And while there can be the occasional surprise snow storm in spring, more often dipping temperatures during a rainstorm can lead to sleet and black ice. Sudden downpours common in spring can also lead to hydroplaning; at the beginning of a storm, the water mixes with residual oil on the road, creating a slick surface that can defeat tire traction.
In other words, don’t assume that the end of frigid winter temperatures means safe driving. Spring weather can be dangerous and unpredictable, and drivers need to remember safety precautions such as slowing down and maintaining a safe distance between other vehicles.
Proper maintenance can cure many problems
After a long, hard winter, proper tire maintenance is essential to safe driving. Whether you are swapping regular tires that have been in storage for snow tires, or just doing spot checks on existing vehicles, make sure tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread to counteract the wet roads and hydroplaning threats.
Try the penny test: Place a penny in the tread of your tires with Mr. Lincoln’s head pointing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tire tread is far too warn for safety and tires need to be replaces.
Now is also a good time to check battery life and windshield wipers—both of which can be severely taxed during harsh winter months.
Pro tip: Use Linxup’s maintenance reminders for more than just oil changes and tire rotations. Set reminders for optimum lifespans of windshield wipers, checking fluids, and other small tasks that can make a big difference in the life of your vehicles.
Be extra observant
Wet roads aren’t the only dangerous condition for drivers in spring. Snow, ice, salt, plowing, all add up to damaged and weakened pavement. As the temperatures warm, that damage leads to cracks and potholes that can cause serious damage to your vehicles, including:
- Flat tires
- Bent rims
- Damaged or broken suspension
- Damage to exhaust systems
- Poor alignment
Dash camera footage can help identify mystery damage to vehicles and determine if certain routes are currently too damaged to continue using. The footage can also be provided to insurance companies for damage claims, and to local municipalities in a plea to get roads fixed.
Besides the condition of the roads, warm spring weather also brings out extra traffic—and we don’t just mean other vehicles. Bicyclists, pedestrians, animals, and romping children are out in force when the sun comes out, so drivers must be extra cautious, especially in residential areas.
And speaking of those potholes, spring weather also often marks the return of work zones. Dash cameras can help ensure that drivers are not distracted by texting or other activities so they catch the warning signs when approaching these slower driving zones.
With a little extra precaution, your drivers and fleet will sail through spring.
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