Top 10 Tips for Driving Safely this Summer

Ten Top Tips for Driving Safely this Summer

Living in the UK means that most of the time we are faced with rain and wind – a subject we covered in detail in our last blog. However, it would be remiss of us to not cover how to drive safely in the sunshine as well – especially at this time of year.

Driving in any hot weather, and particularly the heat wave type conditions we have experienced in recent weeks, can be dangerous and pose some risks to the health and safety of the driver and their passengers, and even passers-by.

With this in mind, the cartime team have pulled together their top ten tips for driving safely this summer.

#1 Make sure your car is cool to start with

Give yourself the best chance of driving safely in hot weather by parking your car in the shade or using a sunshade on particularly hot days. You should also give yourself a few extra minutes before you set of, to open your windows and doors to allow hot air to circulate. You can also try running your air con for a few minutes before you set off.

#2 Keep your fluids topped up

It is not only humans that can overheat in hot weather, cars engines can to – so make sure you keep your coolant topped up.

If your used car does not have start-stop technology, then you may want to think about turning your engine off when you are sat in traffic. It is an urban myth that this will use more fuel than sitting with your car idling – it's just not true.

#3 Keep yourself hydrated too

It is really important to remember to take some drinking fluids with you when you set out on a long journey in the summer – enough for you and all of your passengers. You could invest in some insulated drinks bottles for your kids – to make sure the water stays cool during a long day in the car.

#4 Think about summer allergies

Around 10 million people in England alone, suffer from hay fever – according to the NHS – which could cause issues when they are driving.

The last place you want to be sneezing (and closing your eyes) is in a car doing 70mph on a busy road. However, taking hay fever tablets to prevent this could also cause blurred vision and drowsiness which can also impair on a person’s ability to drive.

Therefore, if you do suffer from hay fever, you should check the label on your medication before driving.

#5 Don’t drink and drive

We all know what it's like. The sun comes out and we head to a beer garden, BBQ or festival. However, this can often mean that we end up drink/driving - and this is getting more of a problem year on year.

Before you head out to a summer social event, think carefully and plan for how you are going to get home. If you’re driving then don’t have a drink. If you’re drinking, then don’t drive. That way you can enjoy the hot weather without putting yourself or anyone else’s life at risk.

#6 Don’t leave your pets in the car

A large number of people still seem to think it is acceptable to leave their dog in the car on a hot day. It isn’t. Figures released by the RSPCA show that if the weather outside is 22 degrees, then the weather inside can reach 47 degrees within 60 minutes.

Even rolling the windows down or parking in the shade won’t guarantee your dog’s safety. So, unless you can take your dog with you wherever you are going, leave it at home safely instead.

#7 Avoid the glare of the sun

One of the most common causes of accidents in the summer, is impaired vision caused by the sun. Use sunglasses and overhead visors to help block the sun from your eyes, and replace worn windscreen wipers quickly to help ensure your windscreen is always clear.

Windscreens can get very dirty in hot weather, and any marks on it will amplify the suns glare. Keep you washer fluid topped up to help you maintain a clear view in the sun, especially if you are going to be travelling at a time when the sun is low in the sky.

#8 Check your tyre condition and maintain them

Hot weather also makes tyre blow outs more common.

Tyres with existing damage that are underinflated will become aggravated in hot weather, according to the AA, and this increases the likelihood of both punctures and blow outs.

Before you set of then, check your tyre pressure levels and make sure they are at the optimum level.

#9 Watch out for all other road users – not just cars

During the summer months you may find you are sharing the road with more than just other cars. There could be caravans, cyclists, horse riders, tractors and even walkers.

It is critical, therefore, that you remain alert at all times – especially when driving down country lanes, and avoid taking any risks that could increase the chances of you being in an accident – including overtaking.

#10 Prepare for the rain – it's inevitable

This is the UK after all, so we know that we often have to pay the price for hot weather. You should always be prepared to change your driving style to match any changes in the weather, as driving on a sunny day and driving on a stormy day both bring a different set of challenges with them.

Cartime is one of the North West’s largest and fastest growing independent car supermarkets. You can browse our wide range of used cars online, or head to one of our showrooms to find out more.