100 Days of Summer Has Road Trips, Fun, Warmth and the Most Car Crashes
With schools wrapping up their classes and students preparing for finals, anticipation for summer vacation is on the rise. As you plan for your 100 days of summer fun, you also need to be ready for the dangers of the open road.
Do you know that summer has the most car crashes compared to any other seasons? There are far more inexperienced drivers on the road in the summer. The best thing you can do to stay safe is plan ahead. Here’s a quick checklist for you!
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Emergency Preparedness.
Have your emergency contact numbers handy. Spare tires, a medical kit, and any other road safety equipment should be ready and available. Tire blowouts and other vehicle equipment failures are far more likely to occur due to the heat, with higher outside temperatures of the summer causing equipment to function differently and potentially malfunction.
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Buckle Up!
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than half (53%) of legal-aged drivers (16-20) were killed in an auto accident without a seat belt in 2016. While the summer means taking on a level of freedom, that doesn’t mean freeing your seat belt from keeping you safe. Make sure you and anyone coming along for the ride strap in for whatever lies ahead of you.
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Be Prepared on Long Trips:
Something else to keep in mind is organization. Planning on bringing some supplies for a camping trip, or some food for a summer getaway? Don’t let that clutter get in the way of your trip! Make sure to have appropriate room in the front as to not obscure necessary features of your vehicle. Also, make sure any snacks you do bring don’t cause your focus to stray off the road. Be sure to bring easy-to-manage food that won’t require you to scavenge in the back seats for seconds.
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Leave Early For Your Trip!
Summer weather means a higher likelihood for highway work zones, more construction zones, more detours and more challenges to the driving conditions which increase the risk of auto collisions. There are more sun seekers on the road as well, which makes timing during the summer key to the levels of traffic you’re likely to encounter.
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Distractions?
Music, cellphones, snacks, and friends can all be distractions. It is important for you and your friends to understand the importance of a driver’s focus. Bottom line: Keep the driver safe!
Watch what happens to these teens when they become distracted after a day at the beach.
These tips and many other small steps towards safety will make a big difference as you start your summer vacation. Remember: just because your summer will be wild, doesn’t mean your driving has to be!
Statistic Information:
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812494 (Page 3)
United States, Congress, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Occupant Protection in Passenger Vehicles.” Occupant Protection in Passenger Vehicles, NHTSA, 2016, pp. 1–11.
ALL STAR DRIVER can prepare you for safe summer driving. We are serious about teaching teens safe driving skills in the classroom and online.
Nathan Johnson, Intern
