Summer is here! With the kids out of school and warmer weather, it is the ideal time to go on vacation, a family adventure, or visit friends and family. Before you hit the road, it is important to review summer safety tips to ensure that you are ready for a stress-free road trip.
Check the Weather
First and foremost, you should always check the weather along your route. Weather-related crashes make up 12% of all vehicle accidents in the United States and contribute to more deaths than large-scale weather disasters. Travel and weather websites can help you avoid storms or other events that could impact your safety. If severe weather is expected on your drive, consider finding another route. If you do come across bad weather, follow these safe driving tips.
Plan Breaks
Plan breaks along your route. A long, boring drive can be very tiring, which is unsafe. According to NHTSA, in 2024 alone, drowsy-driving-related crashes led to 644 deaths. Falling asleep at the wheel causes tens of thousands of crashes yearly. These accidents usually occur in the late afternoon or between midnight and 6 a.m. To be more alert on your trip, find somewhere to stay instead of driving through the night. If possible, rotate drivers every few hours.
If you are by yourself and crunched for time, a short-term intervention recommended by the NHTSA is to drink one or two cups of coffee then pull over for a 20-minute nap in a safe, lighted place. This will increase alertness for short time periods. While on the road, watch yourself for signs of sleepiness.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Approximately one in three American drivers are affected by car breakdowns. Breakdowns are more likely to happen in severe weather. A car emergency kit is something most drivers don’t consider—until they need it. A car emergency kit should be updated for each season and each big trip. You can find a guide to packing your own vehicle emergency kit here.
Safe Driving Tips
On the road, it is important to follow safe driving practices:
- Be courteous and avoid risky behaviors.
- Don’t drive impaired by drugs or alcohol or distracted by your phone.
- Follow the speed limit. Driving too fast or too slow increases the chance of a collision. Drive defensively.
- Pay attention to your surroundings and use extra caution in work zones or bad weather.
- You and your passengers should always wear seatbelts.
- Always top off your tank earlier than you think you may need to, so you don’t get stranded. On a long road trip through rural areas, it is possible you may travel a long way before finding a gas station.
With just a few considerations, you and your family can be prepared for a safe summer road trip!
Article by: Alina Napier
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