Statistics show summer is the most dangerous time to drive in the U.S.
Isn’t that weird? Most people worry about ice and snow in winter. They don’t even think about summer!
For safe travels, follow these six summer driving tips (every parent needs to see #4!).
1. Inspect your tires.
Heat causes your tires to deflate. Check their inflation to be safe. Also look for visible signs of damage. This is a must-do before any road trip. If you have any doubts about the condition of your tires, get a second opinion from a mechanic.
2. Look both ways.
School’s out for summer! That means more teens will be on the road.
Teen drivers cause more traffic accidents than any other age group. Don’t assume these teens will follow the rules of the road.
Look both ways before you drive through a traffic light (yes, even if it’s green). Put down the phone and keep your eyes on the road so you can react quickly and decisively. If there’s a new teen driver in your family, you might enjoy these posts:
- 4 Teen Driving Mistakes You Need to Know
- Teaching a Teen to Drive: 8 Tips for Busy Parents
- Ask Audra: “Should I Buy a Car for My Teenager?”
3. Check your coolant.
Hot temperatures can cause your engine to overheat. If that happens, pull over immediately. Pop open your hood and make sure your coolant tank is filled up. No? Either go to a mechanic or top it off yourself. If your engine overheats again, that could mean you have a leak.
4. Be mindful of your child.
Every parent is familiar with the nightmare of forgetting about the baby in the backseat. This isn’t very common, but it does happen. Roughly 37 babies and toddlers die in hot cars every year. It’s easy to get distracted when you’re busy. Here’s a tip. Every time you travel with a child, put a toy or stuffed animal in the passenger seat. That should jog your memory!
5. Take lots of mini-breaks on long trips.
There is nothing “tough” about driving across the country without stopping. Pull over every two or three hours to prevent fatigue. Take a walk and stretch out anything that’s stiff. One more tip: take a water bottle so you can stay hydrated. Fill it up every time you stop at a rest area.
6. Give bikes and motorcycles plenty of space.
Warm weather means more cyclists will be on the road. Be considerate of these folks. They aren’t surrounded by a protective interior like you. If they got in a wreck, it could end very badly. Increase your following distance to four seconds or more. Click here to share these tips with your friends so they can have a safe summer like you.
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