During the summer months, families plan summer vacations and
travel often, especially "down the shore." It is very important that travelers be very careful during
summer vacations.
To help keep you safe this summer driving season, here are a few tips to ensure that your next road trip is a safe one.
- Check your tires to stay safe and save money. Well-maintained tires provide protection against avoidable breakdowns and crashes, improved vehicle handling, better fuel economy, and increased tire life. Keeping tire pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended level increases fuel efficiency by one mile per gallon of gas — something that’s even more important in the summer when gas prices rise. To check if your tires need to be replaced, insert a quarter into the tire’s tread, with Washington’s head toward the tire. If no portion of his head is covered, the tread is below 1/8 of an inch and you should consider replacing your tires.
- When packing for a trip, don’t exceed your car’s payload capacity. Your owner’s manual has information about the maximum weight of all cargo and passengers your vehicle can safely carry. Before heading out, also double check that you can clearly see out of all your windows.
- Manage glare and heat. Keep sunglasses handy and use a sun shield beneath your windshield when parked to keep your car’s interior heat down. Never leave a child or a pet unattended in a vehicle. The summer sun can also dehydrate you during long roads trips so always travel with plenty of water.
- Summer storms — and even sun showers — require extreme caution. Roads become very slippery in the first few minutes of rainfall because the rain mixes with the oil and dirt on the road. It takes about 30 minutes of steady rain to wash the oil and dirt off the road.
- Share the road. Warm weather means more bicycles and motorcycles on the road and a spike in road work. The AARP Smart Driver curriculum recommends these tips for avoiding collisions:
- Never share lanes with motorcycles, as they also have use of the complete traffic lane.
- Increase your following distance to four seconds or more when behind motorcycles.
- Constantly scan the roadway in front, to the rear, and to the sides of your vehicle for motorcyclists and bicyclists.
- When going through construction zones, use extreme caution, follow all road signs and look out for pedestrians or workers.
If you are involved in an auto accident while visiting Pennsylvania or New Jersey this summer, contact our office right away for legal help. We have a proven track record of successfully representing auto accident victims. 1-800-444-5309, pisanchynlawfirm.com.
Where will you be traveling this summer? Let us know your favorite summertime destinations and your best advice for getting there safely.
