June 2016

It's that time of year again when we spend the last few days with all the great kids that we transport. As we gear up for all the summer things around here in the office,
​we wanted to remind everyone of some summer driving info. 

So what makes summer driving so dangerous?

On the surface, driving through a summer heat wave seems quite serene compared to a winter whiteout. But according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), July actually had the highest number of fatal car accidents of any month in 2012, with 3,126. What's more, August and June ranked second and third, each with over 3,000 fatal accidents.

Here are a handful of reasons why summer often trumps winter in the danger department.

More teens on the road
When school's out, more teen drivers hit the roads.
Sadly, more teen drivers on the road can mean more danger for the rest of us.
The unavoidable lack of experience (we've all been there) can lead to questionable
judgment that can increase the risk of an accident.
And data shows that teens are more likely to be involved
in accidents than other age groups.

Children out playing
With school being out, not only are there more teen drivers but there are children of all ages out playing. They are riding bikes, rollerblading,throwing the ball and other activities that could potentially put them in traffics way. Children will chase a ball into the street without looking so please look out for them and give yourself time to slow down and stop.
Watch the tires of parked cars for little feet. 

Drivers on vacation add to road congestion
Congested roads make for harder driving conditions and the potential for road rage, so plan ahead. (And watch out for those impatient drivers who might cut you off.)
Vacation drivers are unfamiliar with the roads, which can lead to erratic or unpredictable driving (especially when there's something cool to look at).
And because they're unfamiliar, they may drive too slowly. Be patient.

Tire blowouts
As AAA explains, hot weather causes the air inside your tires to expand, which can lead to a blowout in well-worn wheels. Check your tires on a regular basis during the summer months, especially during heat waves.

Construction
Summertime is  a popular time for road construction.
Always be a extra cautious when you drive around construction zones.
Speed limits are lower and fines are higher.

More bicycles and motorcycles on the road
Driving alongside cyclists can make traffic maneuvers, from turning
right to parallel parking, more dangerous. The IIHS reports that
722 cyclists were involved in fatal accidents with motor vehicles in 2012 alone.

Sun and excess heat
The scorching summer sun can dehydrate you on long drives,
so keep a bottle of water handy. And of course,
the chance of your engine overheating increases, especially if you have to rely
on your air conditioner to keep yourself from overheating.
If your engine overheats, pull over to let it cool down.

Avoiding the summertime driving blues
In spite of all its glorious perks, summer can be a dangerous time to drive.
Season-specific variables like more teens on the road and more work zones
conspire to jeopardize that easy, breezy summer feeling.

Keep your eyes out for potential dangers, remain calm and be safe!
By knowing what you might encounter,
you can keep yourself safe and enjoy the better weather.

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