6 Summer Driving Hazards and How to Avoid Them

Summer is upon us, which means warm weather, outdoor activities, summer vacation, and new, seasonal driving hazards. Winter is known for having harsh driving conditions, but summer driving is often overlooked when it comes to auto safety. However, summer driving has difficulties of its own. 

It’s always important to stay alert to changing road conditions and be prepared for anything. Read about the top six summer driving hazards and how you can best prepare yourself and your vehicle to avoid them.

Increased Traffic

As schools let out for summer, more families are out and about, and many are embarking on their summer vacations. This often leads to a large increase in traffic at times there typically isn’t as much. When stuck in traffic, it’s important to stay focused on your surroundings. 

Stay calm and understand that no one around you can make the traffic move faster. Avoid road raging as it can lead to rash driving choices and practice defensive driving when possible.

Construction

When temperatures heat up, construction season comes into full swing. You can often find construction during other times of the year, but with less harsh weather, it’s easier to finish projects in the summer.

Stay alert and slow down around construction. There are often increased fines for speeding through construction zones set to keep the workers safe. Pay attention to the construction signs and listen to directions given by workers and other signs within the construction zone.

Sun Glare

An often overlooked summer driving hazard is glare from the sun. Since the sun is shining brighter it’s important to be prepared so you can always see the road. 

Keep your car equipped with extra sunglasses and use your car’s sun visor when you can’t see well.

Motorcycles

With warmer weather, it’s more common to see motorcyclists on the roads. While motorcyclists have the same rights to the roads as any car, it’s important to note that they’re much smaller and move more quickly. It’s also easy to miss a motorcycle in your blind spot.

To avoid a collision, follow motorcycles at a greater distance and be cautious when making turns or changing lanes. It’s also a good practice to check your blind spot more than once before changing lanes to be sure the coast is clear.

Cyclists

Like motorcyclists, cyclists pose a summer driving hazard as well. They can be quite difficult to see, especially as the evening approaches (specifically between 6-9 pm).

A good practice is to allow for at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. Be spatially aware when opening car doors, turning, and changing lanes. It’s also important to be patient.

Tire Blowouts

Warm temperatures can cause the air in your tires to expand. This can lead to tire blowouts, even with fresh tires. It’s vital to check your tire pressure frequently to ensure your tires are inflated properly.

Be sure to have a spare tire in your vehicle just in case. Most cars are equipped with a spare, but if you’ve had to use your spare tire in the past, be sure to replace it just in case of an emergency. It’s also good to replace your tires when you start to see uneven or excessive wear.

Stay Safe This Summer With Boggs

If you run into any of these summer hazards and need a tune-up, head over to Boggs! We have all the tools to get you in and out quickly so you can enjoy the summer sun. 

Don’t have time to stop in for routine maintenance? Our Boggs Driver pick-up service simplifies routine maintenance, including oil changes and seasonal checks. No appointment is necessary for oil changes. For other services, click below to schedule.