These 5 Driving Mistakes This Spring Could Cost You in Colorado

When the weather warms up and spring arrives, it is often tempting to take a nice drive on the weekends. More people are out during the spring, enjoying the beautiful weather and taking in all that Colorado has to offer outdoors. This means more drivers on the road, and it also means there are more things to worry about. The chances of breaking the rules of the road go up, and despite how much you want to argue, there are some excuses that won't fly. Here are five driving mistakes that many make during the spring in Colorado that you should avoid, or they may cost you dearly this season.

Sneezing and Losing Control of Your Car

Recently, DiscoverCars.com released a list warning drivers of things not to do this spring when behind the wheel. Breaking these rules could cost you financially or your life. Allergies pick up for many when spring arrives. Odds are you or someone you know has been dealing with terrible allergies this season. You can see things floating around in the air anytime you are outside, and it leads to many runny noses, coughs, and a lot of sneezing. No matter how hard you sneeze or how many times in a row, you need to keep control of your vehicle and not cross into other lanes or off the road. Sneezing over and over is the same as distracted driving, and while you can't always avoid it, make sure to pull over if you can't stop. 

Driving Under the Influence of Allergy Medicine

Speaking of allergies, you likely need to be on medicine to help with them if you are someone who suffers severely every spring. The problem is that some of these medicines can make you drowsy, and that is the same as driving while tired or after a couple of drinks. If you are swerving, tapping your brakes, or looking like you are under the influence, you could get a DWI or a DUI if it is determined that the medicine you took before getting behind the wheel is affecting your motor skills. 

Wildlife on the Road in Colorado

Colorado is filled with wildlife, and while they can be fun to look at on the side of the road, they are also a distraction and take your attention from where you are going. As the weather gets nicer and more and more people are outside, the same goes for the wildlife in the area. Not only are they distracting on the side of the road, but you also need to keep an eye open for them potentially crossing the road. Hitting certain animals could damage your vehicle, or even end your life, depending on the speed you are going and the size of the animal. 

Tree Sap and Nature Blocking Your View

When the sun comes out and temperatures rise, many crack their windows when parking for long periods. Another common thing to do is to park under a tree to keep your car shaded. The bad thing is that tree sap can drip onto your window, birds can do their business on it, and leaves and branches can fall. This can obstruct your view and become a problem. No officer will buy this excuse if it affects your driving, which is why it is a good idea to keep your windows clean in spring or avoid parking under trees. 

Low Sunlight and Driving in Colorado

Sticking with not being able to see when behind the wheel, the sun going down or coming up can make it tough to see, especially if driving directly towards it for a long period of time. Sunglasses and the visor will help, but won't always make it possible to see entirely. Make sure to keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you to make sure you don't rear-end them if they slam their brakes. Everyone will be dealing with the same problem, so it is a good idea to be cautious. 

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Make sure to avoid these mistakes this spring, and you should be able to not get any fines, be in any wrecks, and be safe this season. There are plenty of distractions and bad drivers on the road during the spring, make sure you don't become one of them.