Summer brings warmer weather and increased travel, making it essential for drivers to prioritize safety on the roads.
Yet, from potential heat-related issues to increased traffic, there are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind as summer quickly approaches.
Stay hydrated and avoid fatigue
Driving in the summer heat can lead to dehydration and fatigue, which can impair your ability to focus and react quickly. To stay safe, ensure that you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and during your journey.
Prepare your car or truck for the summer
Extreme heat can affect your vehicle’s performance and increase the risk of breakdowns. To ensure a safe driving experience, take the following steps to prepare your vehicle for summer conditions:
- Check and maintain proper tire pressure: High temperatures can cause tire pressure to increase, leading to tire blowouts. Regularly inspect and maintain proper tire pressure to avoid potential mishaps.
- Check your vehicle’s cooling system: Ensure that your vehicle’s cooling system is in good working condition. Check coolant levels, hoses, and radiator fans to prevent overheating.
- Verify your vehicle’s battery health: Heat can accelerate battery fluid evaporation and reduce its lifespan. Have your battery tested to ensure it is in good condition and consider replacing it if necessary.
- Keep an emergency kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essential items such as water, non-perishable snacks, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a mobile phone charger.
Finally, if you have teens in your household, pay special attention to these tips. The stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers. So, while summer driving might be safer inherently for most, teens are particularly vulnerable to serious crashes at this time of year.