Adjust For Bright Sunlight

Following the spring equinox, we gain daylight daily and drivers need to adjust safely. Just after sunrise and before sunset the sun can shine directly into drivers’ eyes, leaving many motorists driving with a glare. This glare can make it much harder to see the road ahead and potential hazards create an added risk to drivers. When sun glare is an issue slow down and use extra caution especially while driving through school zones.

AAA offers these tips for motorists to Be Safe Driving in the Sun:

• Invest in polarized sunglasses – they reduce some of the glare;
• Utilize your sun visor – it helps to block the sun;
• Drive with your headlights on to increase your visibility for other drivers;
• If having a difficult time seeing the road, use lane markings to help guide you;
• Increase your following, stopping and braking distance;

With the sun in your eyes it is harder to see the car ahead. Spring is a time when it pays to leave more room between you and the next vehicle.

Additional Tips

• Keep your windshield clean, inside and out
• Check your windshield for pitting and cracks
• Avoid storing papers or other items on the dashboard

Use Caution On Wet Roads

Spring brings sleet, rain and even hailstorms, causing roads to be slippery. Additionally, piles of debris can be just as slippery as ice. Drive carefully while watching for debris and avoid hard braking when possible. Stay alert because Alaskan roads can have sudden dangerous drop offs that may be hidden.

Watch the Roads When Driving In The Sun

Due to increase in moisture and low overnight temperatures, buildup of frost makes roads more dangerous during the drive to work or school. Bridges and narrow roads raise greater concern. Stay alert and slow down for potential ice buildup. It is harder to see ice on bridges.

Finally, falling branches or trees are a major concern during spring and summer months. Alaska has many roads with low travel patterns which may have branches laying on the roadway for long periods of time. Use caution when traveling on unfamiliar roads, watch for fallen trees or branches.

Spring is a beautiful time of year, especially in Alaska. Enjoy the scenery and Be Safe Driving in the Sun.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Source: AAA

Image Source: Driving Tests

Tips For A Safer Spring Weather Driving

Driving in Spring has challenges and one needs to take precautions no matter where you live. However, if you are prepared, drive safely, and have the right tools, navigating Alaska roads while driving in Spring can be safer and more enjoyable:

• Seatbelts – fashionable in all seasons and go with every outfit
• Sun safety on those morning and afternoon commutes is a must
• Make sure to share the roads with the ATVs and motorcycles navigating Spring Weather Hazards
• Construction season will be here so be aware and alert while traveling in these areas
• Big truck traffic increases Spring Weather Hazards while bringing more goods and services to Alaska
• Extra sun requires sleep adjustments – be sure you are well-rested before getting behind the wheel

Traumatic Brain Injuries And Motor Vehicle Accidents

March is also Brain Injury Awareness Month. Every March, the Brain Injury Association of America leads the nation in observing Brain Injury Awareness Month. Spring weather hazards bring the risk of motor vehicle accidents.

Traumatic Brain Injuries: Adult occupants were 47.0% of all motor vehicle–related TBI visits and 9.7% of all TBI visits. Child occupants represented 54.4% of the motor vehicle crash–related TBI ED visits.

Traumatic Brain Injury Deaths: Adult vehicle occupants were 45.8% of all motor vehicle–related TBI deaths and 13.2% of all TBI deaths. On average, there were 488 child TBI deaths in motor vehicle crashes, accounting for 21.8% of all TBI-related deaths.

Vehicle Maintenance

Make sure to take care of the vehicle that gets you to and from all the beauty Alaska has to offer through Alaska’s Spring weather hazards. As you adjust and welcome the season, be aware and prepared. Take care of yourself and others while driving. Make safe driving in Alaska during Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter weather a priority.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Sources: Alaska Online Defensive Driving; Brain Injury Association of America; Center For Disease Control; National Library Of Medicine

Image Source: Where And When

Climate change, natural year-to-year variations and other factors, such as local development and land-use patterns, can influence ice breakup dates.

Weather and road conditions change rapidly throughout Spring Breakup and can lead to hazardous conditions. Drive safely this spring by preparing yourself and your vehicle for potential seasonal risks. Take additional precautions and stay mindful of possible natural hazards.

Take Additional Precautions

Avoid car crashes related to vehicle failure. Ensure your vehicle is well maintained and safe to operate for roadway and weather conditions during Spring Breakup. Leave adequate space between the vehicle in front of yours. In the event of slippery road conditions, or a hazard in the road, allowing additional time to stop could protect you from an accident.

Spring Breakup Roadway Hazards

Drive more slowly when Spring Breakup weather conditions are less than ideal. Often times during springtime in Alaska, the road conditions change significantly throughout the day. Be aware that before the sun fully rises, and again in the late evenings, road conditions are likely to be icy and slick. In the afternoons many roads commonly thaw and have large areas of mud or water along roadways.

Some car crashes are not caused by driver negligence. Be aware of potential hazards and damage along roadways. Potholes, dips, rivets, pavement breaks, and other damages are uncovered when ice and snow melt away during Spring Breakup. Potholes can cause significant damage to vehicles. In the event you’re unable to avoid a pothole, it’s important to not brake while driving over it. Drivers should brake before reaching the pothole, then stop braking while passing over the pothole itself to avoid damage to your vehicle.

Daylight Hazards

In addition to the dangers creating by thawing and freezing during Spring Breakup, Alaska gains significant daylight during spring and summer months. This extended sunshine can be challenging for Alaskan drivers due to the elongated glare on the horizon. It’s important for drivers to turn headlights on, even during daylight hours, to increase visibility to other drivers. Also, use sun visors and sun glasses to improve your ability to see others and potential hazards during Spring Breakup.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Sources: National Weather Service; US Environmental Protection Agency; Alaska Collection

Image Source: Alaska Native News