Summer is finally here, and summer fun has just begun! Driving around and enjoying the warm summer breeze with your friends and family makes for some great times, but it can turn into a tragic nightmare in seconds if safe driving is not implemented and practiced. To make this summer enjoyable and unforgettable, here are three tips for safe summer driving.
Make Sure the Vehicle is in Good Condition
The summer heat can cause many problems in your vehicle. According to Did You Know Cars, some of these summer vehicle problems include things like tire bursts, engine overheating, and worn shock absorbers (these keep your car driving smoothly over bumps and dips in the road). Before going out for a summer drive, consider checking your vehicle’s tires, air conditioning, brakes, engine, oil and shock absorbers to make sure it is working properly. You can also go to your family’s trusted car mechanic to make a basic vehicle check-up before hitting the road.
Choose Your Passengers Carefully
Passengers, although fun to have along for the ride, can also be a distraction for a driver. According to Dolman Law, one additional teen passenger increases the risk of a fatal crash by 44 percent, while three additional teen passengers can increase it by as much as 300 percent. Choose passengers that know the risks of obnoxious passengers and who understand that you, the driver, are in charge during the whole trip. If a passenger becomes reckless and distracting, stop at the nearest location, calmly get their attention, and explain your discomfort as well the dangers of the distraction that they are causing.
Use Seatbelts
Seatbelts are installed in every car for a reason: to keep people inside cars safe. In the case that an accident occurs, a seatbelt is there to prevent most small injuries and some severe injuries. In order to Virtual Drive, to wear a seatbelt properly, the strap should be across your chest (not behind your backpack or under your arm), and the lap belt should be placed above your hips and under your belly. Make sure that you and any passengers always wear a seatbelt when riding in a car, even for short trips, and always check to see if they are wearing theirs correctly.
It is essential for both drivers and passengers to be informed of how to reduce their chances of getting into a car accident. Being in an accident is something that no one wants to have happen when on their summer vacation. So this summer, make sure that you enjoy endless fun and adventure with your friends and family by practicing safe summer driving.