Winter
isn't the only time of the year that comes with driving hazards. What
do you need to know about navigating the nation's roadways when the
season changes? As the weather warms, take a look at the top risks
that drivers often face during the spring and summer months.
Engine
Overheating
When
the mercury rises, so does your engine's risk of overheating. Even
though your car's coolant keeps the engine in check most of the year,
the higher outdoor air temperatures make it harder to stop this
unwanted engine issue from happening.
While
you can't stop the temperature from rising, you can make sure your
car has enough coolant — especially if you drive often or you drive
a long distance on an extremely hot day. If your coolant runs low
before it should or your car is constantly empty, have a mechanic
check for a leak or blockage.
Along
with obvious coolant-related issues (such as a leak), other
mechanical problems can cause engine overheating. Loss of engine
lubrication can also result in overheating. Check the oil level often
to reduce the likelihood of this scenario. Without an adequate amount
of oil, the friction from the engine's moving parts can cause
overheating.
If
your best maintenance efforts fail and your engine still overheats,
move the car off the road and to a safe space while you wait for a
tow truck or mechanic.
Increased
Traffic
Between
spring break and summer vacations, road trips rule in the warmer
months. The more cars are on the roads, the more the chances of an
accident go up. If you're headed out on a spring or summer road trip:
-
Get a checkup
first.
Again,
low coolant or oil can cause your car to overheat. Along with making
sure you have plenty of these fluids, have a mechanic check your
brakes, lights, and everything else you need for safe driving.
-
Drive
defensively.
Stay
alert and drive smart. With more cars on the road, you need to pay
constant attention not only to where you go but to everyone else's
driving too.
-
Bring safety
items.
As
if breaking down isn't tough enough on its own, add in a steady
stream of traffic nearby and you have a recipe for danger. Bring
road flares and other safety items to reduce risks and keep you
safe.
Whether
you travel near or far, expect delays — especially as you near
major spring and summer holidays. While feeling frustrated when
driving in traffic is normal, leave your road rage at home. Letting
the anger get the best of you can lead to an unsafe situation or an
accident.
Teen
Drivers
Without
school to occupy their days, teens are out and about — driving on
the same roadways that you try to navigate. Unlike seasoned adult
drivers, teens are more likely to underestimate potentially dangerous
situations. This can lead to poor decision-making and a higher
likelihood of engaging in accident-causing behaviors.
Even
though you can't avoid all teen drivers, you can reduce some of the
risks by staying alert. Watch for new drivers, yielding to them or
slowing down. If you have a teen driver in your family, discuss safe
driving practices, enroll your teen in a driver's education class,
and strictly enforce rules (such as a car curfew).
Outdoor
Activities
From
biking to the park to strolling around the neighborhood, people are
out of their homes. Bicyclists can quickly dart out in front of a
car, distracted pedestrians can wander into an intersection, and
other outdoor activity enthusiasts (such as skateboarders) can get in
the way of traffic. Along with looking out for other cars, check your
surroundings for other people.
Do
you need to add extra protection to your auto insurance
policy? Contact Harr
& Associates Insurance, Inc.,
for more information.
