The sun is shining and temperatures are on the rise. As you and millions of other drivers hit the roads this summer, it’s crucial to have the proper safety precautions in place. Especially when dealing with the heat, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Let’s review some driving safety tips drivers need to be prepared for this season to avoid hazards, ensuring a fun-filled summer on the open road.
Inspect Your Vehicle Regularly
Any weather changes can make your vehicle vulnerable to changes in its condition. During the hot summer, it’s important to know which parts of your vehicle need inspection or are at risk.
A good starting point is to check your tire pressure using either a manual or digital pressure gauge. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to check your tire pressure at least once a month or before heading out on road trips. Your vehicle’s manual should specify the correct PSI (pounds per square inch) range for inflating your tires. Driving with a flat tire can lead to dangerous situations and can potentially damage other areas of the vehicle if you continue to drive on it. On the other hand, having over-inflated tires can be equally as dangerous. In the summer heat, the hot pavement increases your tire pressure—that’s right, without you even touching an air compressor! To avoid overinflation and tire blowout, you should inspect your tires regularly and look for wear or cracks.
Just like people, cars can overheat, too. Overheating can be caused by a malfunction with the air conditioning. As nice as it feels to crank the AC in a hot car, it’s imperative to ensure it’s working properly first and to know the signs to look out for if it’s not. If you see any smoke or smell anything unusual, pull over and turn off your vehicle immediately.
Cars overheating is typically a result of engine problems. It’s not a bad idea to inspect your engine throughout the summer or consider taking it to a professional to have it done for you.
Throughout your inspection process, it’s also a good idea to check the basics. Ensure you have sufficient fuel to reach your destination, that your brakes are functioning properly, and that all of your lights are working correctly to drive safely in the summer months. It is also recommended to keep your windshield clean and free of streaks. If your windshield is dirty, the sun can create a very distracting glare in your view, especially during morning and evening driving.
Know What’s In Your Car
Stocking your car with summer safety essentials will help you stay prepared for any bumps in the road or unexpected scenarios. In addition to keeping an emergency car kit, a few necessities for safe driving in the summer can include:
- Cell phone holder
- Car phone charger
- Water bottle
- Sun windshield shade
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Power inverter
Your Belongings Are Your Responsibility
Packing your car with the right supplies is important, but it’s just as key to unpack when you’ve reached your destination and are leaving your car to soak in the hot sun. Don’t leave any valuables in your car—ever. Remember to remove electronics (like phones or laptops) or products that become unsafe when overheated (like hand sanitizer). Taking these precautions after a long drive can save you from a mess to clean up or worse (like property theft or damage).
Be Aware of Roads Appearing Warped
If you’re driving in high temperatures and see the road ahead appearing wavy, you’re not seeing things. This phenomenon is referred to as highway mirage. Heat can warp the air, causing the view ahead to appear a little distorted. It usually looks like there are puddles on the road ahead, when in reality you’re seeing a reflection of the sky. Watch out for this optical illusion as you drive on hot days, especially on the highway or interstate. But don’t fret; the road is not actually bending. You should notice it disappears as you come closer to the “warped” area of the road.
New drivers who are unaware of highway mirage may start to slow their speed as they approach the illusion, disrupting the flow of traffic. It’s important to follow the speed limit—wherever you are—and if you do spot something in the distance you’re unsure of, switch to the lane on your right-hand side before slowing down to allow others to pass you.
Learn How to Drive Safer With Driver Ed Safety
Follow this guide to enjoy summer and minimize car troubles or setbacks in your sunny plans. Be prepared for hazards in every season by learning effective defensive driving and behavioral patterns. For more driving safety, contact CIESC Driver Safety and sign up for our open enrollment Online Course, or register for Behind the Wheels lessons today.
