Summer Speeds By: Tips for Summer Driving Safety

Summer often means freedom, road trips, retreats, and warm-weather travels; as long as you are prepared prior to setting off with the car packed and the family loaded up. The tires must be in good shape and maintenance should be performed to aid the overall performance of your vehicle, especially when exposed to higher summer temperatures.

However, even if your vehicle is maintained and working in optimal condition, an alarming 90% of car accidents occur from errors made by a driver. More people are attracted to the warm temperatures and want to get out, which is why roadways are often more crowded in the summer.

The following tips can be helpful to fine-tune summer driving safety skills and can lower the risks of being on the road, especially in areas where people have a reputation for driving recklessly.

Follow safety laws. If you are driving safely, there is a higher likelihood that you can avoid danger caused by other bad drivers. Always wear a safety belt and ensure that all passengers do the same. Careless and hostile behaviors should always be avoided, and ample space should be left between your vehicle and the car driving ahead of you.

Don’t follow too closely. To ensure sufficient time to brake safely, drivers should allow 3-4 seconds of following distance between them and the vehicle in front of them. More distance may be required in bad weather conditions, or when behind a motorcycle or semi truck. Other common causes of rear-end car accidents include distractions, speeding, road rage, fatigue, and intoxication.

Do not speed. The speed limit only pertains to normal weather conditions, which is why drivers may need to occasionally go slower than the posted speed limit during some summer storms. Traveling faster makes it more difficult to maintain control of any car.

Be courteous and attentive. As there tend to be more pedestrians out when the weather is nice, it is important for drivers to anticipate people at every crosswalk in busy areas and to always be cautious of bicyclists. Try to watch for aggressive or intoxicated drivers, and try to avoid them if possible. More construction typically takes place during warmer months, so be mindful in work zones where workers may be on the road.

Don’t expect other drivers to look out for you. It’s considerate to allow other cars to merge, but it can be dangerous to expect that the other driver will automatically let you in. Be ready to react and even anticipate other drivers running red lights. Often, using caution and being prepared for other driver’s bad driving habits can keep you from getting in an accident.

Monitor open vehicle recalls. This is an important step for vehicle owners who could be liable if an open recall is not repaired in a timely manner upon notification. Twice yearly is the recommendation for checking your car for a recall, once during spring and once in the fall.