You survived winter, and now that spring has sprung, you think you have it made. Wrong. Spring showers bring more than May flowers; they also bring treacherous driving conditions. From rain to fog, construction to wildlife, spring has its share of driving obstacles.

Spring can bring torrential rain and flooded roads. The dangers of these are obvious. Excessive speed on a drenched road can cause your vehicle to hydroplane. Hydroplaning occurs when the vehicle loses traction and slides like a sled over snow. Also, keep an eye out for potholes. If a pothole is filled with water, you cannot judge how deep it is. Going through a pothole at high speed can cause damage to your vehicle as well as cause you to lose control. It is also important to watch for puddles of water along the side of the road. While it was fun jumping in puddles as a kid, it can be dangerous to drive through them as an adult. If you have ever driven through a puddle, you know how it can completely shift your vehicle and send you spinning to regain control.

Another danger from Mother Nature is fog. As temperatures rise, fog can form over ground which is cooler. Fog restricts or completely eliminates visibility. The most important rule for driving in fog is to SLOW DOWN. You must be able to stop within your sight distance. Be sure to slow down BEFORE you enter the fog, not after. Keep your low beam headlights on in the fog and don’t hesitate to put on your hazard light. The key to driving in fog is to be seen.

Whether you are driving in rain or fog, it is important to keep a safe distance between your car and others on the road. A good rule of thumb is the two-second rule. As a vehicle in front of you passes a stationary object, begin counting. At least two seconds should pass before you pass the same object. Keeping a two-second distance is always a good idea, but it is especially important in inclement weather.

Warmer weather also brings road construction. The orange barrels will be out, so take special care to give the road crew the space they need. Observe all construction speed limits and be prepared for delays. Pay attention and don’t wait until the last minute to merge into one lane.

Spring means the flowers are blooming and animals are being born. Deer and other wildlife will be out and about and running into roadways. Animals tend to run into traffic, not away from it. Keep an eye out and reduce your speed in areas animals are known to habitat.

Winter may be over, but spring brings its own driving risks. Stay vigilant as you drive your way into summer.