In sunny California, it’s nearly like summer year ’round in many parts of the state. And even though the summer season officially coming to a close, we’ve compiled five summer-weather driving safety tips you can’t ignore while on the road because they are always useful. There’s a strong belief the worst time to be commuting or traveling is during the winter, but it’s actually a misconception. There are more factors and conditions which contribute to a higher number of car accidents during the official summer months of June, July, and August. But with it frequently sunny in the Golden State, there tends to be more cars on the road throughout the year because the weather permits us to be enjoy being out. While it this may strike you as counterintuitive, stop and consider the reasons why it makes perfect sense. Although summer is associated with lazy days, it’s nonetheless a dangerous time to be on the road sine people are driving somewhere to enjoy the outdoors.
Why Summer Driving is so Dangerous
So, why is summer-weather driving more dangerous than other seasons? Well, the answers aren’t necessarily surprising, but they are sobering. During warm weather, especially summer, there are a lot more vehicles on the road. California is a world-wide vacation destination so vacationers and Californians alike often take to the road to enjoy the sunshine. Unfortunately, this poses more than one problem for drivers. It means more cars on the road which in turn means a higher potential for accidents, breakdowns, unsecured loads, erratic driving, and road rage.
School is out, graduations are over and the heat of summer is on. You’ve got your suntan lotion, a giant cooler ‘ you’re ready for a summer road trip. Or maybe you’re just putting up with the usual hours long commute in stop-and-go traffic, but with waves of heat bouncing off the asphalt. A few hours of prep now might save you from hours stuck on the side of the road, a big repair bill and a ruined vacation. —State of California Office of Traffic Safety
Adding to already dangerous conditions are the many teenage drivers who have just been granted driving privileges and who are out and about, driving to the beach, running errands for parents and just generally perfecting their driving skills. It’s not surprising that their inexperience makes up a higher statistical percentage of at-fault drivers in car accidents. Furthermore, during summer-weather, road construction is frequently being conducted because of the lack of rain, snow, ice, and sleet. Additionally, tire blowouts increase during the warm weather because the heat inside expands the air. All of this, not to mention an increased number of bicyclists and motorcyclists out on the road, create hazardous road conditions.
5 Summer Driving Safety Tips You Can’t Ignore
With so many risk factors, it’s a wise policy to practice good driving habits to stay safe on the road. Summer-weather driving is a time when traffic conditions become more problematic, so here are five driving safety tips that are good to remember and you shouldn’t ignore:
- Have your vehicle serviced. Because tire blowouts are a concern during summer, have your vehicle serviced to ensure the air conditioner is in good working order and replace the tires, if necessary. Have all fluids checked and carry windshield cleaner, motor oil, and other fluids with you.
- Make everyone wear a seat belt. When on the road, no matter how short the distance between where you begin and your destination, make everyone in the car buckle up. Children should always be in an appropriate child seat or booster seat and loose articles should be secured.
- Carry a properly stocked first aid kit. In the event of a fender bender or a car accident, you should have a well-stocked first aid kit in your vehicle. Adhesive bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, cold compresses, scissors, sterile gauze pads, tweezers, non-latex gloves, blankets, antiseptic wipes, and a thermometer are the bare minimum.
- Pack an emergency roadside assistance kit. In addition to a first aid kit, you also need to pack an emergency roadside assistance kit. This should include jumper cables, basic hand tools, tire sealant, road flares, hazard triangles, flashlight, batteries, and pairs of gloves.
- Always practice defensive driving techniques. When you are driving, keep your concentration on the task at-hand and always practice defensive driving techniques: do not get distracted, stay under the speed limit, be aware of all surroundings, and watch out for other drivers.
If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident, you need to seek sound legal advice as soon as possible. Contact Vititoe Law Group and speak to someone to discuss your case. There is only a limited time under the law to act and you need to know your rights and find out if you’re entitled to compensation.
