Spring Driving
As winter retreats and spring takes center stage, March becomes a season of change—bringing both opportunity and challenge for drivers. At DriveTeam, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve, navigating unpredictable weather, shifting daylight, and increased travel with confidence. Let’s dive into the key factors contributing to motor vehicle crashes during this transitional month and how you can prepare for the road ahead. DriveTeam Note: 4-Hour Advanced Teen Driving Clinic is back for season 2!
Weather Conditions: Expect the Unexpected
Spring’s mix of sun, rain, and lingering cold can make for tricky driving conditions. Here’s how to stay prepared:
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Rain & Wet Roads: Spring showers may bring flowers, but they also make roads slick and reduce visibility. Slow down, keep a safe following distance, and make sure your windshield wipers are in top condition.
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Lingering Ice & Slush: In colder regions, winter’s leftovers can still pose a hazard. Watch for icy patches, drive smoothly, and give yourself extra time to reach your destination.
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Foggy Mornings: Early spring fog can limit visibility, making reaction time critical. Use low-beam headlights, reduce speed, and stay alert.
Daylight Saving Time: Adjusting to the Time Shift
The shift to Daylight Saving Time (DST) in March can throw off your body’s rhythm—and your driving habits. Be mindful of these effects:
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Fatigue & Drowsiness: Losing an hour of sleep can slow your reaction time. Prioritize rest and take breaks if you start feeling groggy.
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Shifting Light Conditions: Morning and evening commutes may look different with new light patterns. Be prepared for glare at sunrise and sunset, and adjust your driving accordingly.
Increased Wildlife Activity: Watch for Unexpected Encounters
As temperatures rise, animals become more active—sometimes in places you least expect:
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Deer & Small Mammals: Wildlife movement increases in spring, especially in rural areas. Stay alert, reduce speed in high-risk zones, and use your horn to deter animals from the roadway.
Spring Break & Holiday Travel: More Cars, More Caution
March is a peak travel month, with spring break and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations adding extra risks:
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Impaired Driving: Festivities often involve alcohol, increasing the likelihood of drunk driving incidents. Always designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service.
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Inexperienced Drivers: Many young drivers hit the road during spring break. If you’re new behind the wheel, stay focused, avoid distractions, and drive defensively.
Road Conditions: Potholes & Construction Zones
Spring’s thaw means roadwork season is in full swing, bringing its own set of hazards:
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Potholes: Winter damage leaves behind deep craters that can lead to tire blowouts or loss of control. Avoid them when possible, and slow down if you must drive over one.
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Construction Zones: With warmer weather comes road repairs. Follow reduced speed limits, be mindful of workers, and stay patient in traffic.
Distracted Driving: Keep Your Focus on the Road
With warmer weather and longer days, distractions inside the vehicle become more common:
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Phones & Tech: Whether it’s checking GPS, texting, or changing a song, taking your eyes off the road is dangerous. Stow your phone and use hands-free options when necessary.
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Passengers & Conversations: Road trips and carpools increase in spring, making it easy to lose focus. Keep conversations light and stay attentive to the road.
Stay Sharp This Spring with DriveTeam
Spring’s arrival brings fresh energy to the roads, but it also comes with new challenges. By staying aware of shifting weather, daylight changes, wildlife activity, increased travel, road conditions, and potential distractions, you can drive with confidence and control.
At DriveTeam, we’re committed to helping you sharpen your skills and stay safe behind the wheel. Ready to level up your driving? Explore our training programs and embrace the season with confidence!
Why Extra Driver Training is Essential for Teens
1. Additional Training Reduces Crash Risks
Studies have shown that teens who complete supplemental driving programs experience fewer crashes than those who only complete standard driver’s ed.
- Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs—which extend training and impose restrictions—have been linked to a 19% decrease in injury crashes and a 21% reduction in fatal crashes among 16-year-olds.
- A ScienceDirect study found that additional training improves risk perception and defensive driving behaviors, reducing self-reported risky behaviors behind the wheel.
In short, the more training teens get, the safer they become on the road.
2. Teens Lack the Experience to Handle Emergencies
New drivers often panic in high-stress situations, leading to overcorrection or delayed reactions. Traditional driver’s ed programs don’t spend enough time on advanced skills like emergency braking and crash avoidance. DriveTeam’s course fills this gap, giving teens hands-on experience in a safe environment where they can learn the right way to react.
3. Insurance Discounts Can Help Offset the Cost
Many insurance companies offer discounts for completing advanced driver training courses, potentially saving parents hundreds of dollars per year.
- While DriveTeam does not guarantee insurance discounts, major providers like Progressive and GEICO offer lower rates to drivers who complete advanced training.
- Parents should check with their insurance provider to see if DriveTeam’s $445 course could translate into long-term savings.
The DriveTeam Advantage: Why Choose This Course?
With so many options for driver training, why should parents choose DriveTeam?
- Premium Training – Unlike budget-focused schools, DriveTeam provides expert instruction and cutting-edge techniques that go beyond the bare minimum.
- Hands-On, Real-World Practice – The course isn’t just about classroom lectures; teens get real-world, behind-the-wheel training in challenging driving scenarios.
- Flexibility – Teens who completed their driver’s education elsewhere can still enroll and benefit from the extra training.
- Focus on Crash Prevention – The curriculum is designed to teach proactive driving strategies that prevent accidents before they happen.
Final Thoughts: Investing in Your Teen’s Safety
Every parent wants to keep their teen safe on the road. While driver’s education provides the foundation, extra training is what truly builds skill and confidence behind the wheel. DriveTeam’s 2-Day Vehicle Dynamics Course is an investment in safety, providing teens with the knowledge, skills, and decision making they need to handle unpredictable situations.
By choosing DriveTeam, parents can give their teens the best possible start on the road—no matter where they completed their initial driver’s education.
Ready to empower your teen with advanced driving skills? Check out DriveTeam’s next available dates and sign up today!
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