Summer driving can be more dangerous than you think

It’s not uncommon for us to picture ‘difficult seasonal driving conditions’ as frozen over. We imagine black ice causing cars to skid, snow preventing solid handling on the roads, and thick downfall preventing us from seeing in front of our faces. While being stranded in the sun is perhaps not as dangerous as being in a freezing car without warmth, that doesn’t mean the cold is the only weather threat you need consider.

Even in the summer, such as the one we’re all waiting for on the northern hemisphere, driving can be a dangerous prospect. This is just yet another justification to keep our driving vigilance up-to-snuff throughout the course of our lives, and we ignore this fact at our peril.

Even then, summer driving can be more dangerous than you think. It is the mark of a good driver to be prepared for anything, and to never let his driving etiquette slip despite those issues. But first we need to know what those issues are. Let us the problems you might experience on the road:

SUN GLINT

Just as you can find it hard to drive in a heavy downpour or even in light snow, sun glint is a real issue that can cause true visibility problems. To some degree your windshield sun visor can help you avoid the worst of the sun glares – and depending on your height this can work very well. However, it’s not going to cover the complete arrangement of sun reflections you’ll see during your journey. For this reason, you may wish to wear sunglasses. However, it’s important to consider what these are.

Those with a light tint, provided they do not prevent you seeing colors such as those on a stop sign, could be worthwhile. However, usually if you cannot see, the highway code will advise you pull over. You can also gain polarized lenses, which are much better at dispelling glare without giving you trouble in terms of a dark tint. If you need to wear glasses, you can also have these made within your prescription limits, and that should prove worthwhile for anyone.

CHIPPED TARMAC

Loose chips, tarmac that has been damaged or is seemingly boiling can sometimes cause debris to fly towards your windscreen. Inspect your car before and after your journey, stick to the speed limit, learn to leave at least one car’s distance in front of the next at all times, and don’t be afraid to contact a vehicle or truck accident lawyer should something strike you.

OVERHEATING

Not only might you, your children or pets overheat in a hot vehicle without solid ventilation, but the cooling system of the car might also be set with issues. This is why it’s important to keep a sixth sense regarding your dashboard lights. On top of that, try to park in shaded environments, and crack the window should you park with a pet in the vehicle. However, try to limit these instances.

With this advice, you’ll be sure to apply your best efforts when driving safely in summer.


Photo Credit: Bruce mars

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