Summer Driving Safety Tips & Helpful Reminders
- The first rain after a dry spell can cause roadways to be much more slippery due to a build-up of rubber and oil on road surfaces.
- This time of year, more children are out of school and potentially near streets and roadways, and there are more people on bicycles.
- Summer driving season is construction season—slow down and be aware of workers and stopped vehicles.
- Newly paved roadways can be very slippery after a rain shower and increase stopping distances.
- Warm weather also means more motorcyclists on the roadways.
- Summer is vacation time, anticipate distracted and sightseeing motorists and travelers.
- Greater chance of roadside DOT checkpoints and a reminder that the first week of June for the inspection blitz.
- Keep a “weather eye open” and monitor your weather apps for severe weather updates on your route.
Health Tips
- Wear proper non-skid footwear (closed-toe work shoes or boots only).
- To prevent bites from flies, mosquitoes, and spiders, pack insect repellent.
- Keep an “eye out” for wildlife near rail yards and rural stops (snakes, scorpions, and other nasty critters).
- Wear sunscreen to prevent UV exposure.
- When conditions are hot and humid, pace yourself enough to avoid overheating, which can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion.
- If you wear short-sleeve shirts, be cautious around hot hoses and pipes on trailers — burn injuries increase during the summer season.
Maintenance Items
- Carry a glass cleaner and paper towels to clean the bugs off the windshield.
- Maintain engine fluid levels—especially coolant.
- Check engine belt conditions on pre-trip inspection.
- Check tire pressure frequently, underinflated tires overheat more quickly and the potential of a blowout increases dramatically with summer driving.
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