With car transportation at an expected increase, you should know these summer driving tips to stay safe on the road.
Even though governments are easing up stay-at-home orders and slowly planning to reopen businesses, COVID-19 is still a very real threat. Automobile transportation is expected to increase as people avoid mass transportation like planes or trains to stay healthy. That’s why you need to be prepared for any summer road trip—no matter how long! Here are a few summer driving tips and possible hazards you should be aware of before getting behind the wheel this summer.
Go Through A Safety Checklist
You should always make sure your vehicle is in good condition before any road trips. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends you go through a safety checklist, examining everything from tires and lights to windshield wipers and floor mats. Make sure everything is in good shape to ensure safe driving.
Get Your Car Serviced Before You Leave
The NHTSA also recommends you get your car serviced before long drives or road trips to prevent breakdowns. If your car isn’t in good condition or you’ve been neglecting that blinking check engine light, you might want to schedule a maintenance check to make sure you’re all good under the hood. The last thing you want in the middle of a hot day in June is to break down on the side of a backroad!
Pack an Emergency Kit
Even if you check your boxes twice and your vehicle is good to go, there’s no such thing as being too prepared when it comes to safe driving. Make sure you have an emergency kit in your trunk. Your kit should include things like jumper cables, a flashlight, towels/blankets, a first aid kit, and tools. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has an extensive list of items you could (or should) include in your emergency kit. The longer your road trip, the bigger your emergency kit should be.
Weather Can Be A Factor
Summer driving means hotter temperatures, which can affect you and your car. Hot weather can cause your tires to expand and blow-out, your engine to over-heat, or you to get dehydrated. Make sure you check your tires regularly, use your AC in moderation, and keep water with you to stay hydrated for road trips.
Beware of Motorcyclists, Bicyclists, and Pedestrians
As the weather warms up, more and more people use these methods of transportation as an alternative to standard cars or trucks. Whether you’re driving a car, a truck, or a horse-and-buggy, you should be aware of the other people sharing the road with you. Even if they’re on the sidewalk, be conscious of them. These roadway users don’t have any outer protection in the case of an accident, unlike the frame of cars or trucks. Use your mirrors, use your signals, and stay alert for safe driving.
Even though there’s no snow in sight, driving is dangerous year-round. You should follow these tips for safe summer driving and make sure that you’re prepared for your next road trip. However, accidents can happen no matter how prepared you are. The Pottenger Law Firm offers free consultations to car accident victims. Find out what your options are first and what you may be entitled to. Call 816-531-6006 or contact us here.
