It’s spring here in Tacoma!

As we transition into a season marked by longer days and renewed activity, it’s important to make sure that you stay alert as a driver to new possible distractions and dangers in the environment and on the road. Here are our spring safe driving tips to keep you safe on the road this spring.

Spring Safe Driving Tips to Follow

Take care with bicyclists and other motorists

As the weather warms up you may be sharing the roads with more bicyclists and motorcyclists. It’s important to stay alert while driving in case a bike or motorcycle suddenly pulls in front of you. Both bicyclists and motorcycles have slightly altered rules of traffic they’re obligated to follow. Though practices lane splitting are illegal in Washington state, it’s always important to practice defensive driving to keep yourself and others safe. 

Sun glare

Another of our spring safe driving tips is: invest in polarized sun glasses. Longer, sunnier days coupled with spring showers can result in blinding sun glare that can take your eyes off the roadway. It’s a good idea to keep a pare of sunglasses with you to keep your eyes protected on the road. 

Mind wildlife

Spring brings new life, which means more wildlife wandering around our city and along our roads as they wake up from hibernation. Keep our furry friends in mind as you go about your morning commute and on your way home.

Vehicle Checks

In addition to these spring safe driving tips, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready to take on spring.

Tires

If you don’t have all-season tires, now is about the time you should be thinking of changing out your winter tires for spring or summer tires. At Courtesy Auto and Tire Repair of Tacoma we have a wide selection of tires to choose from you get you where you need to go. 

It’s also a good idea to take a look at your tires to check the tread depth. Tread should be at least 1/16 of an inch.

Insufficient tread on tires can be a huge safety risk for you and others, even as we transition into the drier season (which, let’s be honest, isn’t that much drier than the rest of the year). 

Wiper blades

Even with the weather warming up and the days getting longer, spring can be a rainy time of year (especially here in Tacoma!). That’s why it’s important to make sure your windshield wiper blades are up to task. 

Make sure that wiper blades are clean, wiping them down with a cloth or paper towel to clear blades of debris. 

Until Thursday, March 31st Courtesy Auto and Tire is offering a FREE spring driving preparedness inspection to keep you and your loved ones safe on the roads. Schedule your appointment today!