Our Top 10 Summer Driving Safety Tips
Americans are finally ready to go on vacation following the pandemic. Are you ready for summer driving? Read on for our top 10 summer driving safety tips.
1. Keep Children Out of the Hot Car
Tragically, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, about three children die each week in hot cars. These deaths are tragic accidents that result from caregivers leaving children in hot cars or children accessing the cars on their own. Always check the back seat before exiting the car. Place an item in the back seat that you must take with you at your destination. This ensures that you always check the back seat.
2. Don’t Text and Drive
Distracted drivers on America’s roads cause about 3,000 deaths and about 400,000 injuries each year. 67% of drivers continue to use cell phones while driving despite knowing the danger they pose to safe driving. What example are you setting for your kids when you text and drive.
Program autoreplies to texts and calls so others know you are not responding because you are driving. Cell phones and providers have several apps and programming options to reduce the temptation to drive distracted. For example, Apple’s “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature stops notifications and sends a preprogrammed autoreply to anyone who texts the driver while the vehicle is in motion. There are also: AT&T DriveMode®, Verizon Safely Go®, and Sprint Drive First®. Consider utilizing one of these options to stop notifications while you drive. A great message for a friend or a family member when they try to reach you when you are driving is: “Hi, I am driving right now, so it’s not safe to respond to your message. This is an autoreply to let you know that when I stop, I will get right back to you.” That way, you can tell others that you are not ignoring them. They may see how good the idea is and do the same on their phones.
3. Always Buckle Up
Seat belts save lives. Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of getting seriously injured or dying in a crash by 60 percent. Think you don’t need a seatbelt when driving short distances? Three out of four crashes occur within 25 miles of home. Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.
4. Avoid the Dangers of Sun Glare
Glare is a visual sensation caused by excessive and uncontrolled brightness. Sun glare can cause annoyance, discomfort, and even a loss of visibility. This can greatly impact your ability to safely drive a car. Avoid the dangers of sun glare while driving by taking the following steps:
Clean your windshield
Fix cracks and chips in your windshield
Clean your dashboard and rearview mirror
Wear polarized glasses
5. Maintain Your Tires
Tires are essential to safe driving. In the summer, tire-related crashes are common. You should maintain your tires by doing the following:
Regular inspections for excessive wear.
Maintain proper tire pressure
Abide by a recommended tire rotation schedule
6. Conduct a Vehicle Inspection
Your tires are just one part of your vehicle. Safe summer driving requires that you inspect your entire vehicle. Before you hit the road, conduct a vehicle inspection that includes the following:
Oil
Brakes
Windshield
Wiper blades
Lights
7. Pack an Emergency Supply Kit
Even if you regularly inspect your vehicle, an emergency can still occur. Be prepared for an emergency by packing an emergency supply kit.
8. Prepare for Work Zones
Summer drivers are encouraged to prepare for work zones before venturing out on the roads. You can prepare by using one of many free road trip planning apps. Be mindful that fines and penalties for traffic violations in work zones are usually higher than normal.
9. Practice Safe Towing
Summer is a great time for recreation activities. Many summer activities involve towing trailers and other equipment. If you are towing a trailer, you are responsible for knowing the law and being safe. Check out this primer on safe towing before you hook up.
10. Always Drive Sober
If you decide to cool off in the heat by sipping a refreshing cocktail, savor your summer and never drive impaired. In addition to alcohol, drugs and medication can also cause impairment. Do not drive if you are going to consume drugs, alcohol, or certain medications. Arrange for a sober driver.
Experienced Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyers
The start of summer is a great time to focus on summer driving safety. We hope the above safety tips help you stay safe on the road. Our experienced auto accident attorneys understand that a car accident can injure the most cautious individual. If another driver has injured you, it’s important that you seek experienced legal representation. Our personal injury lawyers serve clients in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and all over Pennsylvania with the knowledge and expertise to help you gain maximum compensation for your injuries. Time is of the essence. Get in touch with our personal injury lawyers today, so we can begin pursuing significant compensation for you.