SUMMER IS THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME TO DRIVE

 

We instinctively understand that rain, ice and snow pose additional threats to safe driving. But the majority of us forget that summer brings its own set of dangers. Additional traffic from summer vacationers when you don’t expect is only one aspect of additional risk to driver safety during the summer. Sun glare and unpredictable weather patterns also add to the danger.

What time of the year is the most dangerous for driving? You might be surprised, but according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, it is actually summer and fall that are the most dangerous times of the year for driving. [Click here to read the article.] The deadliest months for driving are July and August! This is because more drivers are out on the road during this time, which increases the likelihood of collisions. 

Here are some key tips you can take to reduce your risk during those dangerous driving months:

1.  Make sure your vehicle is recently maintained. High and extreme heat take a toll on your vehicle. They can affect your vehicle’s braking ability and the time it takes to stop your car. Extreme heat can also lead to tire blowouts. Additionally high temperatures can cause your engine to overheat more easily and places increased stress on virtually every mechanical function your vehicle performs.

Pay extra attention to tire pressure and tread. Have your brakes checked frequently and make sure that your vehicle’s cooling system has all the proper fluids it needs to function well. These are things that you can control that will decrease your risk of accidents during the summer months.

2.  Be more vigilant about distracted drivers. There are some dangers that you can’t control. Often families on vacation or young, inexperienced drivers heading out to the beach, summer days are filled with drivers who are more distracted than usual. Distracted drivers are always a threat on the roads but added distractions like sun glare and vacation expectations create situations where other drivers aren’t or can’t watch out for you. Be on the look-out for distracted drivers, and take actions to avoid being near them.

3.  Pay attention to developing weather patterns and news reports. Sudden thunderstorms, unexpected high-winds and reduced visibility due to smoke from fires can occur with very little warning. Fires are especially a risk because they can move rapidly and cause people fleeing from the fire to drive erratically and dangerously. These situations often can happen with little to no warning, so it’s wise to know the forecast for the area you’re driving in each day and to check in periodically to make sure nothing has changed.

4.  Pay attention to high-risk dates. Some days are more dangerous than others. Weekends and holidays are associated with an increase in drinking and driving. July 4th is particularly deadly, both in terms of motorcycle fatalities and passenger vehicles, so be particularly cautious on that day. For weekends, the highest number of fatal crashes happen between 3 and 7 p.m., so be aware of increased risk when you’re behind the wheel — and take extra safety precautions as needed.

5.  Proper eyecare is even more important. Driving is hard on the eyes, and during summer months the sun exposure is increased which results in a higher amount of sun glare coming off the road surface and from other vehicles. This can be particularly dangerous during the early morning and late evening, so it is wise to invest in a good pair of polarized sunglasses. That will help protect your eyes from fatigue and damage, cut down on the glare and make it easier for you to see clearly.

6.  Increase your following distance. Whether you’re hauling something you usually don’t, such as a boat or camper, or not, increasing your following distance can help offset dangers caused by heavier traffic. Vacationing drivers may also be traveling in unfamiliar areas which may cause them to make erratic or unexpected moves. An increased following distance helps you negotiate those risks.

7.  Understand how the heat affects your car AND you. Extended periods of hot temperatures can cause an overheated vehicle and leave you stranded without air conditioning. It’s also easy to dismiss just how much the sun can affect us, but it’s important to pay attention to how heat exhaustion can make you drowsy and not functioning at a safe level. That’s why summer is not the time to try to push you or your vehicle past any warnings. You can combat fatigue by taking frequent breaks and stay hydrated. Pay attention to your vehicle’s warning signals. You might be able to push past normal limits in cool weather, but in the summer heat, there are more opportunities for you to suffer from breakdowns and malfunctions.

We all want to be around and in good condition for the holiday season and throughout the year. So as you go out during these hot summer days and nights, grab your sunscreen, a bottle of water and remember these summer safe driving tips.