Driving Tips to Stay Safe During Your Summer Vacation
Summertime is almost here! While longer days and warmer weather make summer the best time
for road trips, it also happens to be the season when the most fatal traffic accidents occur. Some factors contributing to this include congested roads due to vacation travel and increased road construction with construction crews taking advantage of warmer weather to get as much done before winter. Before you head out on your summer vacation road trip, make sure you are prepared for the unexpected. Follow these tips to ensure a safer driving experience:
Check Your Tires – Well maintained tires not only gives you better fuel economy, it also gives your vehicle better handling and helps prevent breakdowns and crashes that could have been avoided. Check the tread on your tires before you start on your trip and replace them if needed. For optimum fuel efficiency and greater safety, keep your tire pressure at the level recommended by the manufacturer.
Pack Light – when accounting for passengers and packing your suitcases, make sure you do not exceed your vehicles payload capacity. Check out your owner’s manual for the maximum cargo and passenger weight your vehicle can safely handle. Additionally, make sure you pack your vehicle in a way that does not hinder your view through any window.
Manage Summer Allergies – while allergies tend to sneak up on us in spring, many people suffer from summer allergies as well. Allergy symptoms typically include runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion and fatigue…all of which can be dangerous when operating a vehicle. If you plan to be the one driving during the trip, make sure your allergy medicine does not cause drowsiness, as many of the over the counter allergy medicines do. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about medications that will not impair your driving.
Handle the Glare and Heat – Glare can affect your eyes making you see imaginary dark spots These dark spots can cause poor visibility thus interfering with your view of the road. Summer heat on the other hand can cause dehydration during long road trips. Wearing sunglasses while driving can help you decrease the effect of glare. Using a sunshield, while your car is parked, will keep the interior of your vehicle free from excessive summer heat. Always travel with enough water to keep you hydrated throughout your trip and never leave a child or pet unattended in the car.
Use Caution in Summer Storms – roads can become very slippery in the first few minutes of a rain shower because the water mixes with the oil and dirt on the road. Wet roads reduce traction by about 30%, so reduce you speed by one-third even if visibility is good. It takes approximately half an hour of steady rain to wash the oil and dirt off the road.
Pack an Emergency Kit – Emergency kits are not just for winter. Don’t risk being at the mercy of a stranger when you are stranded on the side of the road. Make sure you pack an emergency kit with the following items: cell phone and car charger, first aid kit, flashlight, flares, jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, jack, work gloves and a change of clothes, nonperishable food, water and medicines, maps and emergency blankets.
Make Sure You Are Covered for Your Summer Vacation – Summer vacation is a time to unplug from the world and relax with family and friends. It’s a time to unwind and de-stress. Sadly, it is also the time of year when most traffic accidents happen. Having the right auto insurance and coverage can give you peace of mind when traveling.
Experienced drivers with good driving records generally qualify for the most favorable rates on auto insurance. If they bundle with their home insurance or another policy, they can generally lower their rate even more. At TWFG Insurance Services, Aledo, Texas, we have access to multiple carriers and will work hard to ensure you have the best coverage with the lowest available rate. Call us today and let us ensure that you have a stress-free, worry-free summer vacation!