Unlike with winter driving where there are obvious and serious safety concerns when it comes to driving, motorists normally consider comfort first when driving in hot weather. This is indeed important, as being excessively uncomfortable when driving can, in its turn, lead to compromised driving and therefore safety concerns. However, it should also be noted that the summer does indeed bring with it several safety concerns.
In certain parts of the country, driving in extremely hot weather is just part of the driving experience for most of the year. In other parts with more seasonal climates, it might be something you need to ease into as the weather starts to heat up.
One thing is not in doubt – to be safe during the summer, it is wise to learn how to drive in hot weather. Furthermore, many of the tips are not at all well-known – again, it is the winter when people are typically more concerned about safety.
Summer Safety Hazards
So, what are you up against in hot weather? There are two things associated with it – the heat and the light. The heat can be a problem for several reasons. In excessively hot weather, for example, your car battery may not function optimally. The light of the sun in summer can also be a problem, causing things such as excessive glare and therefore affecting visibility. And as we all know, optimal vision is absolutely essential for safe driving.
Valtir, a company specializing in highway safety infrastructure such as highway barricades and guardrails, say that driving can also be more perilous during hot weather, and this can be for psychological reasons. Being stuck in a hot car, especially in highway traffic, can be a stressful, uncomfortable, and aggravating situation. Thousands of aggravated drivers in the heat can lead to more accidents than would otherwise happen, so there is this to consider too.
Tips for Driving in Hot Weather
So, these are the hazards. But what can you do about them? Here follows some top summer driving safety tips to ensure that if the summer brings with it more danger, you will be ready for it:
Start With a Cool Car
This means parking in the right spot (shade) in order to ensure that you are not getting behind the wheel and straight into an oven. Doing this will also prevent problems with the car (like the aforementioned battery problems) which result from a vehicle being exposed to excessive heat while it is parked.
Top Up Your Fluids
When cars heat up, it can affect the functioning of the engine and all the other machinery under the hood. To work well, it needs to be cooled down. And for that, you need coolant. Always make sure yours is topped up before you get going.
Keep Hydrated
Another vital component of a car is you. We all know the risks of dehydration in hot weather, and it is certainly something that can creep up on you. Dehydration can affect concentration and make you more tired than you otherwise would be. It is pretty obvious why that could be bad for your driving.
Avoid Sun Glare
The best way to do something about this is to avoid the times of the day when the sun is shining at its strongest. You should also invest in a pair of diving sunglasses that cut out glare. This is an essential tip in some contexts, as it is all about visibility.
The summer is not normally considered the dangerous season for driving, but it comes with its perils. You should know how to tackle them.
