It’s summertime and the road is calling. But before you crack the windows and blast the playlist, it’s worth taking a few minutes to brush up on this year’s top summer driving safety tips.
Why? It may seem counterintuitive given the slow pace of the season, but traffic fatalities are actually more common in summer than winter, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Whether it boils down to distracted teen drivers or overheating engines, it seems warm-weather driving comes with its own set of risks.
So whether you're commuting to work or planning the ultimate summer road trip, use these safe summer driving tips to protect yourself, your passengers, and your car.
Wondering how to prepare for summer driving? Start with your car.
According to the NHTSA, a well-maintained car is one of your best defenses against summer breakdowns. That includes:
Even something small like low windshield wiper fluid can turn into a safety issue in dusty or buggy summer conditions.
2. Check Your Tires (And Check Them Again)
Hot pavement and under-inflated tires don’t mix. Tire blowouts are more common in the summer thanks to a combination of increased road temperatures and long-distance travel.
AAA recommends checking your tire pressure monthly and before every road trip. During that check, do a visual inspection to make sure your tires are free of visible damage and signs of excessive wear. Keep a regular rotation and alignment schedule so your tires stay in good health longer.
Need a reminder? Add “check tire pressure” to a monthly summer driving checklist on your phone. And remember, summer tire safety means checking your spare tire, too.
Heat-related car issues are no joke. If your A/C goes out or your engine overheats in the middle of a long drive, things can get dangerous fast.
To stay safe:
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, hats, and extra hydration for you and your passengers, especially if you're road-tripping through the South or Southwest.
Long summer days often mean later nights and earlier mornings. But the impact of lower quality (or quantity) sleep adds up fast.
According to AAA, drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Stay alert by:
Pro tip: Water is superior to energy drinks. Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to keep your body and brain alert.
We get it. Summer trips get chaotic. But an unsecured cooler, pup, or beach umbrella can become a projectile in a sudden stop.
Be sure to:
And please, never leave kids or pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Temperatures can spike to deadly levels in under 10 minutes.
More people on vacation means more traffic, more accidents, and more road rage. Stay cool out there by:
Teen driving safety in summer is a major concern. In fact, AAA calls the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers.
If you’re a parent:
Want to boost their confidence behind the wheel? Enroll them in an online defensive driving course.
We think of summer as being carefree and easy. But the weather isn’t always pleasant. From sudden thunderstorms to blinding sun glare, some summer conditions are especially difficult to drive in. Stay safe by:
If the weather looks troublesome, wait it out. No beach day is worth hydroplaning.
A basic summer emergency kit should include:
Want to take your kit to the next level? Add a portable (or even solar) phone charger, a space blanket, extra clothes, and a tire pressure gauge.
Last but definitely not least, defensive driving in summer is one of the smartest ways to stay safe on the road.
An online course can help you:
It’s fast, affordable, and 100% online. Enroll in an online course today and keep your summer driving stress free.
From summer car maintenance to teen driver safety, a little preparation goes a long way. Whether you're staying local or heading cross-country: Stay alert, stay hydrated, and use these summer driving safety tips to stay safe.
Want to drive smarter this summer? Take a defensive driving course online and hit the road with confidence.