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Now that you’ve survived driving in this past winter’s road conditions, getting around in spring should be a breeze, right? Not exactly.

Spring presents its own unique challenges to motorists, experts say. For starters, there can be a “letting your guard down” mentality that sets in as the ice and snow have melted away, and pure giddiness over rising temperatures prompts a sense of abandonment. But there are special, seasonal challenges that drivers need to keep in mind:

• Realize that a wet road can be just as slick as an icy one. Tires will hydroplane and lose contact with the road, which is as dangerous as hitting pure ice. Also, rain causes oil dripped from passing vehicles to rise to the top of the water surface, increasing the slick factor. Stay in the middle lanes as water tends to pool in the outside ones, according to SmartMotorist, a nonprofit that seeks to promote safe driving.
• Increase the distance between you and the vehicle you’re following in the rain. Three seconds is considered a safe distance in normal circumstances. During a storm, increase this to eight seconds. The three second rule is a simple way to double-check that you are driving at a safe following distance. Choose a fixed point (like a road sign or a building) that is even with the car in front of you. If you reach that same fixed point before you can count to three, then you’re driving too close to the car in front of you and you need to fall back a bit.
• Replace worn tires. Worn treads will cause a loss of traction, increasing your chances of sliding. Also, even if the tread is fine, you need to make sure the tires are properly inflated. An easy way to check that your tire has an acceptable tread is to do the penny test. Simply put a penny into the groove of the tread. If you can see Lincoln’s head, your tire needs repairing.
• Check wiper blades. A winter’s worth of snow, ice and salt can beat down the wipers, so you may need to replace those, too. Also, clean your windshield with good window washer to improve wiper performance. This will also remove oily film that can reduce visibility, according to CarJunky.com, an automotive parts and maintenance site. You should also clean the inside of the glass to remove film that increases moisture buildup.
• Be on the lookout. Spring is also pothole season. In places where snow and ice have dominated the winter months, the spring thaw can cause dangerous potholes. Avoid them if you can, but if not, don’t brake while traveling over them. Slow down, release the brake before impact and go over the pothole. Braking causes your tire to slam into the edge of the pothole with more force than if you’re rolling over the hole.

Finally, spring means planting season for farmers and more farm equipment being driven on main roads as farmers move from field to field. Nationwide’s website Rural Road Safety is dedicated to information, tools and resources to assist farmers and motorists in making balanced decisions and smart choices when traveling on rural roads.

“Nationwide is taking a stance on rural road safety to increase awareness around the risks of navigating large farm equipment on rural roads,” said Brad Liggett, president of Nationwide Agribusiness. “Our hope is to drive awareness of the safety procedures and common sense practices that can help everyone in these situations share the road safely.”

This website serves as the central hub where farmers and the public can gain valuable insight to help keep themselves and their communities safe.

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*A.M. Best, 2013 DWP. Based on premiums written. Conning Estimated Insurer Market Share Distribution.

Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. We Stand For You is a service mark of Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company. © 2017 Nationwide.

Contributed by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, which is endorsed by Ohio Farm Bureau.