Summer driving safety requires careful attention on the road. Read about staying off your phone, taking breaks, and more.
Did you know that despite the good weather, car crashes are more likely to happen during the summer? That's right, clearly ice and snow have less of an impact on car safety than distracted summer drivers on vacation.
You're responsible for driving safely even when you're on vacation. We're here with a few helpful summer driving safety tips that can keep you on the right track.
Read on to learn more.
1. If You're On Vacation: Learn Local Laws
This is one of the most important safe driving tips if you're driving in the summer while on vacation.
Did you know that not everywhere, even within the country, has the same driving laws? The laws regarding red lights, pedestrians, and intersections (among other things) vary.
For example, in some states, you can turn right on red. In others, turning right on red will put you in danger because it's against the law and other people aren't expecting it.
Some areas have unmarked intersections, which can be confusing for newcomers. Some areas allow unmarked crosswalks, and if you're not familiar with them, you could harm a pedestrian.
In short, take a cursory glance at local driving laws and regulations before you get behind the wheel in a new place.
Bonus tip: if you've rented a car for your vacation, make sure you give it a test drive somewhere safe. Even if you've been driving for a long time, unfamiliar cars can make your trip less safe. At the very least, learn what the average person would have to know to pass a driver's test.
2. Take Breaks on Your Summer Road Trip
Let's talk about taking road trips. You've decided to take a trip across the state, into a new state, or even across the country. It's more affordable than flying, but it's going to be quite the drive.
If you plan on driving for several hours at a time, make sure to take breaks. This is especially important if you plan on driving overnight.
Not only will breaks give you an opportunity to stretch your legs and grab a quick bite to eat, but they'll also leave you feeling more refreshed. It's common for people to get careless when they're on the road, especially if they're getting drowsy. Drowsy driving can cause serious accidents.
If there's another person who can drive going on the trip with you, we recommend splitting driving duty if possible.
3. Stay Off Your Phone
This is a year-round suggestion, but it's no less important during the summer while you and other people are distracted.
Many people use their phones as maps when they're driving in unfamiliar areas. When you're on vacation, it makes sense that you'd be looking at your phone so you can figure out where you're going.
Unfortunately, whenever you take your eyes off of the road ahead of you, you're putting yourself and others at risk.
If you don't have a car that has built-in support for your phone, get an aux cord that will let you plug your phone into your car. Set your map app up so it says directions out loud, so you don't have to take your eyes off of the road.
Better yet, have a passenger keep an eye on the phone while you're driving. This way, if you get confused, you have another pair of eyes that can help get you back on track.
If you have to send a text or make a phone call, pull over somewhere safe to do so.
4. Get Routine Maintenance
This is one thing that many people don't consider when they're going on their summer adventures. If it's been a while since you've given your car a check-up, now's a good time to do it.
Basic safety checks are always a good idea. You want to make sure your car isn't at risk of overheating, that it has plenty of wiper fluid, and that the brakes and tires are in good condition.
Nothing ruins a summer trip like a car breaking down or overheating.
Your car will also stay cooler on the inside. If your AC is no longer working to its full potential, it's possible that there's something wrong behind the scenes.
A hot car can even make a phone overheat and stop working! You won't have your map anymore, and that could be a huge problem if you're somewhere unfamiliar!
5. Watch Out for Distracted or Confused Drivers
This is a helpful tip regardless of whether you're staying home during the summer or traveling somewhere new. Always look for distracted and confused drivers. They'll be more common during the summer months.
During the summer, plenty of people are on holiday. They may be visiting your hometown, and because they don't know the area, they're more likely to become distracted and confused.
If you're traveling, this is an even more crucial tip if you're in a standard vacation destination. There are people from all over the country (and maybe the world) driving somewhere new. Keep an eye on them.
Keep These Summer Driving Safety Tips in Mind
As the last weeks of summer arrive, don't get careless on the road. These summer driving safety tips may be the difference between a safe trip and a serious accident.
Learn local road laws on vacation, take breaks on road trips, don't look at your phone, get maintenance, and look out for distracted drivers.
Drive safe!
Are you getting ready for a summer trip? Come to Extra Care Auto Repair and get vehicle maintenance first! Schedule a service appointment today.