Summer Driving Care Checklist
Summer is finally here, and with the hotter weather and sunny days, more people are hitting the roads for summer travel. Whether you’re planning a summer road trip or staying homebound, it’s important to prepare your vehicle and drive safely with more people on the roads.
Increased risks
Driving risks increase as the temperatures rise. Outlined below are some of the top summer-specific hazards and how you can navigate them.
- Construction zones
- Slow down when approaching a construction work zone. In Iowa, there are increased penalties for work zone violations. In most cases, the fine for moving violations is doubled.
- Always anticipate delays when driving through work zones and be sure to put down your phone.
- The Iowa Department of Transportation is required to post signs indicating changes in speed or detour route. Be sure to follow all directions indicated by traffic signs.
- Pedestrians
- With the nicer weather, more people are out and about walking and playing in neighborhoods. Be sure to be extra vigilant in residential and park areas as well as near crosswalks.
- Yield the right-of-way in crosswalks to pedestrians.
- Avoid distracted driving and put down your phone when driving where kids are playing.
- Always triple-check for kids before backing up.
- Motorcycles and Bicycles
- When driving near motorcycles or bicycles, give them extra space, especially when changing lanes.
- Be sure to use your signals early to give them ample time to react.
- Treat motorcycles as you would any other vehicle and avoid cutting them off.
- Drivers turning right on red should always look to the right and behind to avoid hitting a bicyclist approaching from the right rear.
Before you hit the road
Before hitting the road for your summer road trip, below are the top five pointers to keep in mind.
- Inspect all of your tires for cuts, gouges, or sidewall bulges, and make sure your tire gauge matches the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, typically found in your owner’s manual.
- Test your brakes. If you hear a grinding sound or feel a vibration under your foot, it’s time to take your vehicle in for inspection. A professional can help determine the source of the issue and create a repair plan.
- Make sure your vehicle is updated with engine oil and other fluids, especially coolant. With hot summer days approaching, your engine will thank you.
- Check your windshield wipers and fluid, replacing and refilling as needed. If you catch yourself amid a severe summer storm, you won’t want failing or streaky blades preventing your line of sight.
- Lastly, plan your route. Be sure to check road conditions, traffic, and weather. Keep a map in your vehicle just in case your GPS stops working, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival.
The arrival of summer is exciting. However, don’t forget to minimize your risks by preparing your vehicle safely for extreme heat and staying alert to seasonal driving hazards. Happy summer driving from the Iowa Insurance Institute!
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