Driving in the summertime can be idyllic. With the sun out and your AC blowing, driving is more than just getting from point A to point B. The favorable weather may lead you to believe that driving is safer in the summer than other seasons, but there are plenty of unique risks that you should be on the lookout for. Caution could save you from getting into a car accident and suffering injuries.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, teens are especially at risk during summertime—so much so that fatal car accidents increase by 38 percent. To keep yourself and your kids safe on the road, stay aware of the following risks you may face in coming summer months.
1. Increased traffic
Better weather means more people will be on the road, and more people equals more opportunity for car accidents. As temperatures increase, so will traffic, so it is vital that you plan ahead and avoid routes that may become dangerously congested. This is especially true on the highway, where stop-and-go traffic can demand dramatic braking as cars in front of you suddenly stop.
2. Construction zones
Far more construction takes place during the summer than in the winter, for obvious reasons. Just as more people are on the road because of the enjoyable weather, more construction companies start projects when the temperatures are favorable to getting work done. Road work and construction can create unsafe conditions for drivers, though, so be careful when you see this.
3. Blown out tires
You might not think that the weather would affect your tires, but on the contrary, summertime can definitely be detrimental. As the air outside gets hotter, the air in your tires will expand, putting them at greater risk of blowing out, particularly if they are well-worn. Get your tires replaced before driving this summer or check them regularly to ensure they are holding up.
