Landscape along the road divided between spring and winter.

Underestimated dangers in the spring

The change from winter to spring certainly pleases some people. There is no more snow in sight, everywhere is slowly turning green and the first violets may even be starting to grow. Nevertheless, you should not underestimate the spring-like temperatures, because in the change of season, often underestimated dangers occur in everyday traffic. Here you can find out what to watch out for.

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Danger from dirty roads

Although there is now no longer a speed limit on grit surfaces, it still poses a problem for many. Driving too fast often causes the grit to be thrown against the car, which can cause damage to the paintwork and windows. But the resulting dirty roads at the end of winter can also be a trigger for insecurity on the roads.

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Glare from still low sun

After the winter, you should also watch out for the sun, which continues to be low in the sky. This often brings with it impaired vision while driving. This is not only annoying, but can also be dangerous: A restricted field of vision means that sudden changes or events in traffic cannot be noticed in time.

Sunset on the highway
What problems does the low sun bring?

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Danger from road damage

Other road damage, such as frost heave or the alteration of the road by road salt, is also an underestimated danger at the beginning of spring. The persistent wetness in winter often causes existing potholes to enlarge due to frost heave. But the phenomenon of frost heave also occurs in supposedly intact roads. Through fine cracks on the surface, water also enters there and expands due to the cool temperatures. As a result, potholes can form there as well.

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Continuing danger due to black ice

Especially in the mornings and evenings, frost can continue to form, which is not a pleasant surprise when driving to work or after a long day at the office. This is because black ice then forms on the roads and causes uncertainty for some drivers due to the lack of grip on the road.

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Changed driving characteristics due to the change to summer tires

Due to the different structure of the two types of tires, there are also differences in the driving experience. The winter tires have a deeper and wider tread, which proves to be very effective on snowy roads, as this pushes snow into the grooves and you thus cause a better grip on the roads. Summer tires have a relatively hard rubber compound and therefore provide the sufficient flexibility on both wet and dry roads in warm temperatures. Therefore, the feeling when driving yet differs significantlyh.

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Increased deer crossing

Not only some people are looking forward to the beginning of spring, but also the animal world is coming back to life. As beautiful as the brisk nature is, it also brings difficulties for drivers. Despite the marked areas, drivers are often surprised by a deer crossing the road. Especially at dusk, caution is advised. To counteract the issue of deer accidents, drivers should adjust their speed in signposted areas and always brake in good time. If an accident with a wild animal does occur, there are a few things to keep in mind. Notifying the police and documenting the accident are important with regard to insurance, but care should always be taken never to touch the animal.

Deer wants to cross the road in front of a car
Dangers during deer crossing

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Increased number of motorcyclists and cyclists

Not only wild animals become active again, but also motorcyclists and cyclists often take advantage of the first rays of sunshine to start the season. It is important for motorists to keep in mind that the speed of motorcyclists is often underestimated. The unequal partners in traffic are a common cause of accidents. Motorcycles have a great capacity for acceleration, which often makes it difficult for motorists to judge them, and bicyclists are also easily overlooked in the spring, as they are no longer a common sight on the road over the winter.

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Increased pollen count

Spring also brings an increase in pollen count. This is not only unpleasant for allergy sufferers, but can also be dangerous: The constantly running nose or watery eyes can lead to risks in traffic. The driver's attention is greatly distracted, for example, when searching for a needed handkerchief or sneezing. As a solution for allergy sufferers, there are certain pollen filters for the car for the season to make the car ride safer and more pleasant for themselves and for other road users.

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If you keep all these things in mind and always adjust your speed to the light, visibility and road conditions, nothing should stand in the way of safe driving at the start of spring.