Summer time means throwing caution to the wind and not having a care in the world, right? Wrong. Just because the snow has cleared and the ice has melted does not mean driver’s can be less attentive to driving conditions. Summer has it’s own set of driving hazards that driver’s need to be weary of. Patrol hours and patrol routes are significantly increased in the summer months because of the amount of accidents that occur. So what measures should you be taking to avoid any collisions?
Summer driving can be dangerous for a number of reasons including increased rainfall, potholes, increased road construction, cars overheating and inexperienced drivers.
Rainfall With increase of rainfall comes an increase in flooding, road closures and hydroplaning. Hydroplaning in the snow can be as scary as skidding or fishtailing in the snow. When drivers in these situations start losing control of their vehicle, they panic and hit the brakes to try to bring the vehicle to a stop. Hitting the brakes is the worst thing you can do when you’re losing control. To avoid an accident the driver should tap the brakes lightly but they should be more focused on the steering wheel to keep the car from veering off the road.
Potholes They are formed in the winter but they get worse in the summer. The increased heat causes pressure on these potholes causing them to expand. While avoiding these potholes can save the vehicle from damage, it can be dangerous for the driver and the others around them if they swerve into a lane of traffic to miss the pothole. When dealing with potholes, it is best practice to travel at a decreased speed because the faster a vehicle is traveling, the more damage the pothole will do. Hitting one can result in a blown tire. To prevent a blown tire a driver should always check their tire pressure (the correct pressure is listed on the door frame or door panel of the driver’s side), they should also check their tire treads and make sure they have a spare for their vehicle. If a driver is not sure if their treads are still safe, they can stick a penny upside down in one of the treads. If they can see the hair on Lincoln’s head, they should invest in a new set of tires.
Road Construction With warmer weather, construction workers are able to get out and repair all of the problems the winter may have caused. Road construction is always going to cause a mess of traffic which can result in accidents. If a driver begins to get frustrated or if they’re not paying attention, they can easily cause an accident in traffic. Drivers should always obey the rules of the road, especially in traffic. They should try to remain calm and be patient with the other vehicles around them. Lastly, it is crucial that the driver move over as soon as possible when notice a lane closing, waiting until the last minute to cut in at the last minute will only create more traffic and put them at greater risk of an accident.
Overheating With the increase of outside temperature comes an increase in the use of air conditioning which can result in overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is important to get the recommended oil changes and to check the coolant levels, the radiator, the colling fan and the thermostat.
Inexperienced Drivers Summer is the time for new drivers, fresh out of school to get out on their own and explore. These teen drivers are excited to get on the road but with their lack of experience they tend to make mistakes that lead to accidents. Studies show that there is an increase of car crashes and fatalities in teens during the summer months. When driving around, drivers should always make sure they are aware of their surroundings and the drivers around them.
When driving around this summer whether it be to the grocery store or for a family vacation, check for vehicle recalls, be conscious of where the kids in your neighborhood are, never leave a child in the car and keep an emergency roadside kit.
