As you prepare for your summer travels and commutes to work, do not forget to stay safe before hitting the road. The summer months bring their own share of dangerous weather conditions and the influx of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.
To avoid hazards and drive safe in the summer, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Prepare your car.
Hot weather may devastate your car’s system. Check for blisters, wear or cracks on hoses and belts. Additionally, inspect your coolant system and oil. If you plan to travel to a rural area, consider bringing extra vehicle fluids and supplies with you.
2. Protect your vision.
Wear sunglasses or UV-tinted prescription lenses to protect your eyesight. This way any glare will likely not impair your visibility while on the road.
3. Monitor the weather.
Flash flooding and severe storms occur most during the summer months. Since driving in rainy conditions can quickly turn dangerous, make sure to check the weather and your route before venturing out. Make sure to use headlights in the rain and allow plenty of following distance between cars.
4. Clean out your vehicle.
Check that the items in your vehicle are not hazardous if left in hot conditions. When your car’s interior reaches extreme digits in the summer, aerosol cans, batteries and lighters all pose a danger.
5. Stay cautious in construction zones.
Many construction projects happen during the summertime which can increase detours, traffic jams and delays. To drive safely through construction areas, plan for delays in your driving schedule, find an alternate route around work zones, merge early into the appropriate lane and slow 10 to 15 miles per hour below the speed limit.
