With the cold winter months in the past, it’s time to turn your attention to the beauty of spring in Colorado. From warmer temperatures to rain showers, it’s a big change from what you experienced over the last few months.

While spring driving may not sound as dangerous as winter driving, there are just as many dangers lurking. Here are five that you should protect against at all costs:

  • Rain: The spring season may not bring much snow to the area, but you can expect plenty of rain. And when the rain begins to fall, slippery road conditions follow closely behind. Not to mention the fact that visibility is limited, which makes it even more difficult to maintain your safety on the road.
  • Flooding: If heavy rain lingers for an extended period of time, flooding is possible. Even if it doesn’t reach this extreme, there’s a greater chance of standing water on the roadway, which can cause you to hydroplane if you hit it at a high rate of speed.
  • Potholes: A severe winter almost always causes damage to the local roadways, with potholes a major problem. Not only can these damage your vehicle, but swerving to miss them increases the risk of an accident.
  • More pedestrian and bicyclist activity: When the weather warms, pedestrians and bicyclists take to the roads, sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Take special caution when driving in close proximity to pedestrians and bicyclists, as a false move by one of these people can cause an accident.
  • Increased wildlife activity: Spring is one of the most active months for wildlife, with many animals emerging from hibernation and others in search of food. Keep an eye out for wildlife at all times, but especially during the dusk and dawn hours.

When you’re familiar with these dangers of spring driving, you’re in better position to avoid an accident related to one of these concerns.

If another driver causes a crash, such as someone who’s driving too fast in wet conditions, pull to safety and call 911. You can then examine yourself for injuries, seek professional treatment, contact your insurance agent and make a list of steps you must take to hold the negligent driver responsible for putting you in this position.