Summer is the perfect time to hit the road and enjoy the warm weather, beaches, and attractions in Florida. However, with more drivers on the road, increased holiday traffic, and summer weather conditions, driving can become hazardous. To ensure you have a safe and enjoyable summer road trip, it is important to follow some essential summer driving safety tips to stay safe on the road.
Importance of Driving Safety Tips
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is committed to the safety of all motorists on the road. According to the FLHSMV, there were 107,048 crashes in Florida during the months of June and July last year, resulting in 499 deaths and 2,385 serious bodily injuries. In response, the FLHSMV is educating drivers by providing summer driving safety tips.
Slow Down and Stay Cool
One of the most important summer driving safety tips is to slow down and stay cool. Speed limits are in place to keep you and those around you safe. During the summer months, law enforcement issued 3,165 citations for unlawful speed, while 2,349 crashes resulted from excessive speed. Motorists ages 18-33 had the highest number of crashes. To avoid speeding-related crashes, it’s important to obey speed limits and reduce speed during inclement weather.
Vehicle Preparation
Tires are your vehicle’s first line of defense, so it’s important to keep them in good condition. Hot weather can cause tires to overheat, which can be dangerous. Therefore, it’s important to regularly inspect and maintain your tires. Check the tire pressure, and make sure each tire is filled to the manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure. Also, check the tread depth regularly to ensure it’s within safe limits.
Sun damage and age can cause headlights to yellow and become cloudy, limiting visibility both for you and other drivers. Consider changing the headlight casing or using restorative cleaners to improve visibility.
Windshield wipers play a major role in safe driving during inclement weather. Hot, sunny climates like Florida can cause windshield wipers to deteriorate faster and need more frequent replacement. Periodically check windshield wipers and replace them as necessary.
Buckle Up
Wearing a seatbelt is among the most crucial summer driving safety tips, regardless of the distance traveled. The Dori Slosberg and Katie Marchetti Safety Belt Law require that all drivers, all front seat passengers, and all passengers under the age of 18 fasten their safety belts. Passengers 18 years or older will be charged with a violation if they fail to wear a seat belt when required by law. Drivers will be charged with a seat belt violation if any passenger under the age of 18 is not restrained with a seat belt or child restraint device.
Vehicular Heatstroke Prevention
Never leave children, vulnerable adults, or pets unattended in a vehicle – even for a short period of time. The inside of a vehicle can heat up by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. A child’s body temperature can rise three to five times faster than an adult’s and heatstroke in a closed vehicle can occur when the temperature is as low as 57 degrees outside. If you see a child, vulnerable adult, or pet locked in a hot car, take immediate action by calling 911.
Impaired Driving Prevention
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts everyone on the roadway in danger and can have serious legal and monetary consequences. Penalties for DUIs include expensive fines, license revocation, and jail time. Plan ahead, designate a driver, or call a ride service. If you see an impaired driver on the road, do not hesitate to contact law enforcement or dial *FHP (*347). This call could save a life.
Road Risks Specific to Summer
Teens need to pay the most attention to summer driving safety tips. First, more teen drivers are on the road, since they’re out of school for the summer. Teen drivers are inexperienced, easily distracted, and prone to risk-taking behaviors. Second, holiday binge drinking increases during the summer. Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Father’s Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day are associated with alcohol consumption, which can impair judgment and increase risk-taking behaviors.
Road Risks Specific to Florida
Florida has some unique road risks during the summer. First, heavy rain is common during the summer rainy season, making roads slick and hazardous. Second, more motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are on the road during the summer months, and they’re at higher risk of severe injuries if they’re involved in a crash.
Road Risks Specific to Travelers
If you’re planning a road trip to Florida, make sure your vehicle is fully stocked with essentials, such as a cell phone and charger, first aid kit, flashlight, flares and white flag, jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, jack for changing a tire, basic repair tools, water and paper towels, non-perishable food and medicines, extra washer fluid, and emergency blankets and towels.
Stay Safe
Summer driving safety tips come down to preparation, attention, and caution. By following these safe summer driving tips, you can reduce your risk of a crash and ensure a fun-filled and safe summer road trip. However, accidents can still happen, and if you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, call 866-730-1367 and talk to the Orlando car accident attorneys at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. They have offices throughout Central Florida and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
