As of: March 29, 2024, 10:05 a.m
By: Juliane Reyle
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Press
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Winter is dangerous for drivers. But spring is in no way inferior. Even at higher temperatures, road traffic is risky.
The transition from winter to spring makes many drivers happy. No more snow, black ice and frost, everything is turning green and the first convertibles are appearing. But the spring-like temperatures also pose some dangers in road traffic that are often underestimated.
Drivers should pay attention to the following accident risks:
Dirty streets (split)
Low sun
street damage
black ice
Increased wildlife crossing
Increased number of cyclists
Increased number of motorcyclists
Pollen count
Danger for drivers in spring: dirty roads, sun and more
After a snowy winter, gravel often remains on the streets in spring. But rolled gravel is dangerous and drivers even risk fines if they don't follow some rules. If you drive too fast, the grit is thrown against the car and can damage the paint and windows.
But roads contaminated by mud and the first agricultural vehicles can also lead to an increased risk of accidents, as “Fahrschule-123” writes. In general, it is important to slow down on dirty roads.
The still low sun in spring can also lead to reduced visibility while driving. This is not only annoying, but also dangerous because sudden changes in traffic cannot be noticed in time. But there are tips that can help when driving when visibility is limited.
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Road damage and black ice in spring pose an accident risk for drivers
Frost heaves and changes to the road surface caused by de-icing salt are often underestimated dangers in spring, as “Fahrschule-123” writes. Existing potholes can become larger due to wet conditions or new damage can occur on supposedly intact roads. However, especially in the morning and evening hours, frost and black ice can form, which leads to unsafe driving conditions. Drivers should therefore follow tips to stay safe on slippery roads.
In addition, the tires need to be changed and switching to summer tires changes the driving behavior significantly. Winter tires have a deeper tread for better grip on snow, while summer tires enable more flexible driving behavior at higher temperatures, as “ADAC” writes.
Risk for drivers in spring: wildlife crossing, motorcyclists and cyclists on the move
With spring, the animal world also comes to life, which can lead to increased wildlife movement. Caution is advised, especially at dusk, to avoid accidents involving wild animals. The “Frankfurter Rundschau” reports an increased risk of accidents due to wildlife crossing in spring.
But it's not just wild animals that are returning to the streets. With the first rays of sunshine, more motorcyclists and cyclists are on the road again. Their speed is often underestimated, which can lead to accidents. The “ADAC” writes that the new motorcycle season begins in spring.
Increased pollen levels limit visibility when driving in spring
The increased pollen count in spring can not only cause problems for allergy sufferers, but can also impair the attention of drivers on the road. Not only when allergic reactions occur, but also when looking through the windshield. If pollen, petals and dust restrict the view through the windshield, the speed should be adjusted, as “Autobild” writes.