Summer driving safety tips

Air Conditioning As the temperature rises, your A/C works harder to keep your vehicle cool. Check A/C performance before traveling; don’t forget to check your cabin air filter, too. A lack of air conditioning on a hot summer day affects everyone and is particularly dangerous for people in poor health or who are sensitive to heat, such as children and older adults.

Belts and Hoses High summer temperatures accelerate the rate at which rubber belts and hoses degrade. Look under the hood and inspect all belts and hoses to make sure there are no signs of bulges, blisters, cracks, or cuts in the rubber. It’s best to replace them now if they show signs of obvious wear. Also, make sure all hose connections are secure.

Tires Make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is listed in your owner’s manual and on a placard located on the driver’s door pillar or door frame; and don’t forget to check your spare if your vehicle is equipped with one. To get an accurate reading, check pressure when tires are cold, meaning they haven’t been driven on for at least three hours. Do not inflate your tires to the pressure listed on the tire itself — that number is the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the recommended pressure for your vehicle. A tire doesn’t have to be punctured to lose air; all tires naturally lose some air over time. In fact, underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure.

Fluid Level If you drive a conventional vehicle or a hybrid, be sure to check your vehicle’s oil level periodically. If it’s around the time to have the oil changed, now would be a good time to do it. Also check fluid levels in the following:

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  brake
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  automatic transmission or clutch
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  power steering (if hydraulic)
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  windshield washer

Make sure each reservoir is full; if you see any signs of fluid leakage, take your vehicle in to be serviced. Remember, if you drive an electric vehicle, be sure to check applicable fluid levels, too!

Batteries Have a mechanic check your battery and charging system and make any necessary repairs or replacements. For hybrid-electric vehicles, keep gasoline in the tank to support the gasoline engine.

Lights Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights. Be sure to also check your trailer brake lights and turn signals, if necessary.

Wiper Blades After the heavy toll imposed by winter storms and spring rains, windshield wiper blades may need to be replaced. Like rubber belts and hoses, wiper blades are vulnerable to the summer heat. Examine your blades for signs of wear and tear on both sides. The blades can also deform and fail to work properly in both directions. If they aren’t in top condition, invest in new ones before you go.

Stock Your Vehicle Even a well-maintained vehicle can break down, so it’s advisable to put together an emergency roadside kit to carry with you. A cell phone tops the list of suggested emergency kit contents since it allows you to call for help when and where you need it. Recommended emergency roadside kit contents include:

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  Cell phone and charger
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  First aid kit
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  Flashlight
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  Flares and a white flag
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  Jumper cables
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  Tire pressure gauge
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  Jack (and ground mat) for changing a tire
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  Work gloves and a change of clothes
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  Basic repair tools and some duct tape (for temporarily repairing a hose leak)
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  Water and paper towels for cleaning up
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  Nonperishable food, drinking water, and medicines
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  Extra windshield washer fluid
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  Maps
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  Emergency blankets, towels and coats

Respect the effects of heat It is easy to dismiss just how much the sun can affect us, but it’s important to pay attention to how it affects both drivers and vehicles. Heat exhaustion can make drivers drowsy, and an overheated vehicle can leave them stranded. Don’t push yourself or your vehicle past the limit — that only makes it unsafe for everyone on the road. You can combat fatigue by taking frequent breaks, and paying attention to your vehicle’s warning signs can prevent breakdowns and malfunctions.

Heatstroke The summertime months are especially deadly for children when it comes to hot car deaths. Heatstroke in vehicles happens when a child is left unattended in a parked vehicle or manages to get into an unattended vehicle. Never leave children alone in the car — not even for a minute. A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult. Even if the outside temperature is as low as 60 degrees and the windows are cracked, the temperature inside a vehicle can rapidly reach deadly levels.

Take care of those eyes Driving can be hard on the eyes, period. But during summer months, when the sun is out in full force, there’s also an increased amount of sun glare coming off the road and other vehicles. This can be particularly dangerous during the early morning and late evening, so consider investing in a good pair of polarized sunglasses. They’ll help protect your eyes from fatigue and damage and cut down on glare, making it easier to see clearly.

Increase following distance Whether you’re driving a Toyota Prius, GMC Yukon, or pulling a camper, increasing your following distance can help offset the dangers brought by heavier traffic, construction zones and vacationing drivers who are traveling in unfamiliar areas.

Watch out for distracted drivers Whether it’s families on vacation or students heading toward the beach, summer roads are filled with drivers who are more distracted than usual. Distracted driving is a growing threat. While roads, summer can bring more distractions than usual, so watch out for drivers who aren’t watching out for you. If you see a distracted driver, try to avoid being near them on the road.

Pay attention to weather forecasts Depending on what part of the country you’re in, your summer weather patterns could include thunderstorms, downpours that result in flash flooding, tornadoes and more. These often can happen with little to no warning, so make sure you know the forecast for the area you’re driving each day, and check in periodically just to make sure nothing has changed.

Keep an eye on the calendar Some days are more dangerous than others; weekends and certain holidays are associated with an increase in drinking and driving. On the weekends, the highest number of fatal crashes happen between 3 and 7 p.m., so be aware of increased risk when you’re behind the wheel — and take extra safety precautions as needed.

Have a safe trip!