Summertime is sometimes called the “season of trauma” because the number of accidents and injuries increases along with the temperature. While grills and swimming pools are accident hot spots around the home, car accidents caused by collision or accidental run-over incidents are also all too common during summer. To avoid a crash or another emergency situation, keep the following tips from DCH Academy Honda in mind to reduce summertime accidents.
Limit alcoholic beverage intake
Hot weather means more outdoor events such as picnics and barbecues. For many people, when it’s hot, nothing quenches their thirst quite like a cold beer—or two, or more. It’s easy to forget how much alcohol you’ve consumed in social settings where you’re having fun.
Know the alcohol limits in your state, and remember that even a few drinks can affect your ability to drive safely. Only shortsighted individuals turn down a gracious offer for a ride home or feel it’s a personal insult when someone suggests that they call a cab. If you don’t take precautions when drinking, you risk serious ramifications should you have an accident while “under the influence.”
Collisions caused by animals or insects
Humans are not the only ones more active during summertime—so are animals and insects that can pose dangers to drivers. Many species of animals, such as deer and raccoons, feed at night and frequently run across roads or highways. Pets left to roam are another summertime hazard that can result in a car crash if you swerve to avoid an obstacle and instead crash into another car or a tree.
You’ve probably experienced an annoying insect flying around the inside of your car to the point that it distracts you. Keep your windows rolled up and use your air conditioner to avoid this problem. Should you be unable to keep your windows closed, stay calm and pull off to the side of the road before attempting to control a buzzing bee or other unwanted intruder.
Pedestrian dangers
More people walk and cross streets when the weather is nice. Children are also out of school and are outside playing, riding their bikes or skate boarding. When pedestrian traffic increases, so do the risks for accidents, bodily collisions, pedestrians that are run over by cars, and other emergency situations. Drive more slowly through residential areas and keep an eye on joggers and people using recreational equipment, especially children.
Effects of heat exhaustion
During heat waves, or if you live in desert climates, your car can turn blistering hot on the inside and can cause heat exhaustion if you don’t prepare properly. Driving a car in the hot sun can cause dehydration and fatigue if you aren’t drinking enough water or keeping your body cool. Always wear protective sunscreen when you go outdoors, even if you will spend most of your time in the car. If your car has an air conditioner, use it on hot days unless you have no choice except to open the windows.
Warm weather visibility
Summer conditions can also cause accidents due to poor visibility. Accidents happen when the bright glare of the sun causes temporary blindness resulting in a collision. Keep a good pair on sunglasses in your car and be sure to wear them when driving as well as making good use of your car’s sun visor. You can’t drive safely if you can’t see the road.
Be aware that hot weather increases your risk for accidents. To reduce summertime accidents and to avoid a collision or other emergency, be more vigilant when you get behind the wheel.
