According to data from the Department of Transportation, summer is the most dangerous time of the year for driving. It is also a time where accidents, fatalities, and drunk driving incidents are numerous. There are many factors that contribute to the increase in crashes, but some of the most common are: increased congestion from vacation travel, increased road construction, and increased possibilities for parties that involve sun exposure with alcohol. For this reason, it is critical that summer drivers in Arizona and other states use caution and take steps to protect themselves while on the road.
Summer Safe Driving Tips
Here are a few tips to help prepare for drivers for the summer driving season:
• Be aware of sunlight glare and extra outside heat. To help manage this, be sure that your sunglasses are within easy reach. Drivers can also use a sun shield beneath the car’s windshield to keep interior heat as low as possible.
• Never leave a children or pets alone in vehicles. The heat in your car can increase at a rapid rate during the summer months. Such high temperatures can make your pets and children very sick, or even kill them. That is why it is critical that you never your pets or your children in the car.
• Check your tire pressure before all road trips. Keep your tire pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended level. This also increases your fuel efficiency and ensures as safe drive. You should also check your tire’s tread. If your tire tread is below 1/8 of an inch and you should replace your tires for increased safety.
• Never carry more than your car’s safe payload capacity. You may be tempted to load up your car with all your luggage, camping equipment or other important summer tools. Try to split your things into multiple vehicles so that you never carry more in cargo and passengers than your vehicle can safely carry.
• Be sure that you can see out of your windows. Packing for summer trips can be challenging as families struggle to fix everything they need into their cars, trucks, vans, and RVs. However, overpacking your vehicle can block your view and prevent you from seeing the road clearly. To ensure your view of the road is unimpeded, you should be sure not to over pack your vehicle.
• Use caution during adverse summer weather conditions. Be aware that roads can become very slippery when rain first starts to fall. The reason for this is that when rain mixes with the oil and dirt on the road, the surfaces can become very slick. If you can avoid driving for the first 30 minutes of a rain storm, the oil and dirt will have a chance to be washed off the road.
• Share the road with other vehicles and motorcycles. Warm weather means more bicycles and motorcycles on the road. This is why you should give these, folks more room, always look twice, and increase your following distance to four seconds or more when behind. Another helpful tip is to constantly scan the road on all sides of your vehicle for motorcyclists and bicyclists.
• When going through construction zones, use extreme caution, follow all road signs and look out for pedestrians or workers. These workers are risking their lives to improve the road for you. Use caution and respect these workers.
• Get a designated driver for parties with alcohol. Summer picnics, barbecues, and parties are sure to have alcoholic beverages. Be sure you are aware of how much you have had to drink and that sun exposure can increase the effects of alcohol. Always have a designated driver or call a taxi. Using Uber is also easy. It is better to be safe than sorry!
Contact Weingart Firm For DUI Help
Here at the Weingart Firm, we strive to provide each and every client with excellent services in every DUI case. If you have been stopped or charged with Driving Under The Influence, you should not delay. Our aggressive and skilled attorneys have many years of experience in DUI law and will work to help you fix your situation. We are ready to help you now. Give is a call today for a free review of your case.
