When the snow is falling and the roads are icy, it is easy to be prepared for rough driving conditions, but as the temperatures rise and the snow turns to rain, there are additional hazards that you should be prepared for. Each season brings its own type of safety concerns on the road, and being ready and aware of them can help to minimize the chances that you will be involved in an accident by your own fault or another's.

Pedestrians, motorcycles and bicyclists

During the winter, the number of bicyclists, motorcycles and pedestrians out decreases drastically. As weather heats up and becomes more pleasant, many take their bikes and motorcycles out of storage and use the nice weather as an excuse to get some exercise and fresh air. After months of driving in the snow, you may not be accustomed to watching for these people on the road, but paying attention is vital to keeping the roads safe.

Large puddles of water

Ice is melting, and the rain starts, which leads to large puddles of water on the road and sidewalks. When driving through a puddle, your vision may be obstructed, your brakes may lock up or the car can hydroplane. Try to avoid large puddles as much as possible, or go through them slowly if you cannot go around them.

Animals coming out of hibernation

No matter where you live, there is always a chance of coming across a wild animal looking for food on the roads, particularly in rural areas. As these animals come out of hibernation during the spring, you are more likely to encounter them on the road. Watch closely for them and drive slowly in areas where animal sightings are common.

Wear and tear on your car from winter

Winter is hard on a vehicle and the roads. During the colder months, tires lose air regularly, so always fill your tires during the spring season. Check your lights, your fluids and your windshield wiper blades before the rain gets out of control. Salt, sand, snow plows and ice can also wreak havoc on the roads themselves and leave them scarred and battered. Once the snow and ice have melted, you can expect new potholes in areas you did not notice them before.

No matter how defensively you drive, there is always a chance that you can be injured in a motor vehicle accident that is the fault of another. If you are facing this situation and are concerned about your financial future, an attorney may be able to answer questions and give you hope for the future.