May 31 2021 | Zayouna Admin

6 Driving Tips That Will Help Keep You Safe This Summer

During the colder months in the winter, it is common for car and truck accidents to occur due to poor visibility and icy roads. But people often don’t realize that summer weather can also lead to dangerous driving conditions like packed streets with drivers going on road trips and construction projects, both creating slower travel times and reduced lanes. With these dangers come new ways to approach safe driving. Here are some summer driving tips to help keep you safe on the roads as you enjoy the warm weather.

Tip #1 – Vehicle maintenance

This first tip is usually the most recommended piece of advice for any driver looking to be safe on the roads. The summertime heat can also take a toll on your vehicle, leading to issues like mechanical problems and corrosion. High temperatures outdoors can translate to almost double in your car’s engine area and even drain your car’s battery faster. So get your vehicle serviced before you decide to go on a road trip for the summer – and always check your tire pressure, battery, and brakes before you hit the road.

Tip #2 – Dealing with sun glares

With the sun beating down on the roads and more people out and about, driving in the summer can get tricky quite fast – especially when dealing with glares. When the glare from the sun becomes too strong, here are some quick tips to staying safe while driving: 

• Always stick to the speed limit. The signs posted along the road are not suggestions and should be followed for everyone’s safety.
• Keep your windshield clean. Dirt and grime can make it difficult to see, especially when sun glares illuminate them. 
• Wear sunglasses and use your car’s sun visor. Don’t be afraid to pull over if sun glares become too strong to drive comfortably. 

Tip #3 – Driving distance

Following too closely to other cars on the road can lead to traffic accidents because you are giving yourself less of a window to react when something happens. Increasing your driving distance between vehicles helps to offset potential dangers and keep yourself and your passengers safe.

Tip #4 – Emergency kits

Even the most well-maintained vehicle can break down. While it may not be because of ice patches or heavy snowfall, the summertime can bring with it damaged roads from the colder months and ongoing construction – ample potential for accidents. When the worst occurs, you should have a road safety kit ready in your vehicle. Include first aid kits, flashlights, pen and paper, jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, and extra blankets.

Tip #5 – Handling foggy conditions

The summer months may not have you dealing with whiteout conditions, but fog is a visibility hazard that can happen during the summer. The heat can bring humidity which brings fog, and foggy conditions can be just as challenging to drive in as snowy conditions. Here are some quick tips that can help you when you’re driving in fog:

• Slow down and drive at a safe speed. Foggy conditions can hinder visibility, and when in these conditions, you need to give yourself the room to stop in the distance you can see ahead of you.
• Ensure your exterior lights are turned on when driving in fog. Daytime running lights may not be enough in these situations, so be sure to turn on your vehicle’s exterior lights completely.
• Increase your distance between the car ahead of you and never pass vehicles on a single lane during foggy conditions.

Tip #6 – Get proper legal help when you need it

Accidents on the road can be incredibly traumatic and go far beyond the physical toll they can impart on people and leave you financially vulnerable if you don’t have proper legal support. When facing questions from insurance companies and financial institutions after a car accident, having a personal injury lawyer on your side can help mitigate the stress and strain of the accident’s aftermath so you can focus on your wellbeing.

At Zayouna Law, our team has extensive experience in helping Canadians with their personal injury cases. If you have any questions or concerns about your options after a motor vehicle accident, or you recently have found yourself the victim of an accident on the road, contact us now for a free consultation.