While many people think winter is a more dangerous time for driving because of the possibility of slick roads caused by winter weather, summer driving is more dangerous. The 100 Deadly Days of Summer run from Memorial Day to Labor Day, marking the highest number of motor vehicle fatalities each year.
The South Carolina personal injury lawyers at Stewart Law Offices want you to stay safe this and every summer. We’ve prepared the following eight summer driving safety tips to help you enjoy the season and stay safe.
Watch Out for Bikers
The clear skies and good weather often mean more people are on bicycles and motorcycles. These road users are of a smaller stature, so they are harder to spot. However, they have the same rights as other motorists, so it’s important you keep a lookout for them.
Be Prepared for Traffic Jams
Summer often means family vacations. This means more people are on the road and possibly in a hurry to get to their destination. More traffic may make some drivers impatient.
These drivers might begin engaging in aggressive driving behaviors and speeding. People from out of town might not be familiar with the area and may make sudden driving maneuvers. Prepare for travel delays and give other drivers plenty of space to avoid collisions.
Look Out for Teen Drivers
With teens out for summer break and working summer jobs, more inexperienced drivers will be on the roads this season. Teen drivers may not know how to react to certain hazards and may engage in riskier behavior. They are also more likely to text and drive, so look for potentially dangerous teen drivers.
Slow Down for Construction Projects
Local governments often schedule road construction projects for the summer when there is better weather. Road crews may be sent out to repair damage caused by winter weather or to expand existing roadways. Construction zones can be confusing and dangerous, so it’s important to slow down and follow all signs.
Avoid Drunk Drivers
One of the reasons for the 100 Deadly Days of Summer is impaired driving. People may celebrate over Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. They may also take summer vacations or just enjoy the weekend.
This means that more impaired drivers might be on the roadway and a threat to you and your family. Avoid traveling around major holiday weekends or at night, if possible.
Check Your Tires
The summer heat can cause the air in your tires to expand. If too much pressure is in your tires, they can blow. Avoid this problem by regularly checking your pressure and tire tread levels. Check the manufacturer’s recommendation in your vehicle’s book or in the driver’s door jamb for the recommended tire pressure level.
Inspect Your Vehicle
Vehicles often have to work harder in the summer to counteract the warmer weather. Heat can cause belts and fans to go out. Your air conditioner may have to work extra hard to keep the vehicle cool.
Your engine can overheat if it doesn’t have enough coolant. Get your vehicle inspected, top off all your fluids, and get extra attention if you start experiencing any problems to avoid breaking down.
Stay Cool
One of the dangers of summertime is the possibility of suffering from heat exhaustion or other heat-related conditions. Stay cool by traveling during cooler times of the day. Be sure you always travel with spare water in case you have any car troubles while out.
If You’re Hurt in a Summer Driving Accident, Contact Stewart Law Offices
Despite your best efforts, you may still find yourself hurt in an accident. If you were injured due to another driver’s carelessness this summer, reach out to the experienced South Carolina car accident lawyers from Stewart Law Offices. We provide a free case review to discuss your legal rights and options with an injury attorney from our firm. Contact us today for assistance.
