Farmers are out! Yes, farmers are out and working. Tractors are moving from field to field and if you happen to be traveling on some back roads or even on some main highways you might find yourself stuck behind a big piece of machinery. Keep these things in mind. Your line of site around a large farm tractor is limited. You may want to pass, and in most cases you can. You need to keep in mind these things—no passing (even slow passing) around a curve or a hill. No one can predict when another vehicle is coming around that corner. Not even you, no matter how many times you’ve driven a road. The farmers may not see you. They are in a huge vehicle and the lines of sight could be blocked. You have to always assume they don’t see you.
Turn on your lights! Even if it’s daytime. Raining, foggy morning, or dusk. Your lights are your friends. They help folks see you and your car lights make sure you don’t blend in with the rest of the road. Now is a great time to make sure they are working properly. Taillights too, because no one wants that unnecessary ticket!
What about your tires? Winter is hard on your tires and as the roads heat up you might not know you need some tire TLC until it’s too late. Spring is a great time to make sure all your pressures are the same and that your tread is up to par. Don’t want a blow out to ruin your outing, right? Takes about 10 minutes to check them out and know your good to go!
Slow down!! It doesn’t matter where you live or where you drive. Driving too fast can make it too late. You never know when someone will pop out and cross the road. A person, a dog, a DEER! Slow it down, follow the speed signs and keep your eyes open. More folks are out, just like you and it doesn’t matter if you’re in the city or the country everyone wants outside! Cyclists are riding now more than ever keep your eyes out for bikes, scooters even skateboards. When you slow down it gives you a few extra seconds to make important decisions that keep everyone safe.
Potholes are everywhere. After winter harsh weather there are tons of potholes everywhere. The cities haven’t had time to fix them yet and potholes will tear up your vehicle. Plus, if you hit a pothole fast enough it can be hard to steer and burst a tire. Potholes can throw your car out of alignment and do some serious damage. So, keep your eyes out for them and move over (safely of course).
Spring is a great time to change your oil, wash off the salt and do any other repair you might need. Open the windows, breath in some fresh air and let the wind blow thru your hair. Before long, we’ll need air conditioning, and the sweet smell of spring will be a memory. Thanks for reading and remember to come back often.
—–Tonya