Take a Summertime Drive to Safety

Safe driving is a four-season priority for Brad Plamann. An instructor at the Wisconsin Decision Driving Center, Plamann says safety always matters.

"The basic driving fundamentals--if you follow those, it really doesn't matter what the time of the year is," says Plamann, whose center, at Fox Valley Technical College, in Appleton, Wis., trains about 2,000 truck drivers a year.

At the same time, Plamann concedes that no season drives home the importance of auto safety more than summer.

"The volume of traffic is heavier. The weekends are short. Everybody's in a hurry to get where they need to go. And sometimes in that haste, we forget about the things that we need to do to keep ourselves safe," Plamann says.

Summer is prime time for driving--and for road construction, and for the presence of children, bikes, and motorcycles. The days are longer. More alcohol is consumed at picnics, ballparks, and outdoor festivals. Add the variables of intense heat and sudden rainstorms, and you have greater potential for hazardous driving conditions.

"It's a heightened time for travel. More people are just out and about, which increases the chance of a crash," says Delisa Davis, public relations coordinator for the Highway Safety Research Center at the University of North Carolina, in Chapel Hill.

Come summer, Americans really hit the road. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, long-distance car trips cover nearly 600 million miles, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics at the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Of course, you can't control traffic, road repairs, or the weather, but there's plenty you can do--with your car, its occupants, as well as your trip preparation--that can contribute to safe summer driving.

The vehicle

"The effects of neglected maintenance over long winters often show up under hot or rainy conditions," says Sara Weis, public affairs coordinator in Washington, D.C., for AAA.

Each summer, AAA gets more than seven million calls for roadside assistance. You can prevent many breakdowns by taking your vehicle to a qualified mechanic in advance. It's also wise to give the car a once-over yourself before your trip. Pay particular attention to:

Tires--Check for proper inflation, excessive or uneven wear (if the tread measurements decrease to 3/16 of an inch, it's time to shop for a new tire); be sure you're able to use the spare if needed.

The "penny test" is a simple way to check treads on tires. Start by pinching Abe's body between your thumb and forefinger; then select a point on the tire where the tread appears lowest, and put Lincoln's head into one of the grooves. If you can see above his head where it says "In God We Trust" you are ready for a new tire.

Fluids--Top off the levels and check occasionally--look for puddles or stains--to notice leaks.

Belts and hoses--Watch out for cracks, blistering, or other signs of wear.

Battery--Have it tested; hot weather can be harsh on weak or old batteries.

Brakes--Get them inspected and pay attention to how they sound and feel.

Emergency kit--Pack a flashlight with fresh batteries, jumper cables, first-aid kit, blanket, extra water, mobile phone, and warning devices such as reflective triangles.

Wipers--Replace blades that cause streaks or otherwise don't clear the windshield.

Headlights, taillights, brake lights, and signal lights--See that they work and are angled properly.

The driver and passengers

Rest--Make sure the driver--and relief drivers--will be alert enough to calmly follow the rules of the road and react to traffic and road conditions.

Restraints--Require everyone to buckle up; place children in appropriate seats in the back.

Minimize distractions--Bring games, books, music, and snacks to occupy younger travelers; let a passenger navigate and use the cell phone so the driver can keep both hands on the wheel, both eyes on the road.

Keep hydrated--Drink plenty of water to contend with heat and thirst; be aware that caffeine and sugar can be quick pick-me-ups but leave you tired and thirsty down the road.

Take breaks--Plan on stopping every couple of hours to keep the driver fresh and let passengers vent pent-up energy; use rest stops to refuel, check the oil, clean the windshield, and get more water.

The conditions

Anticipation plays a key role in safety. That's why it pays to call ahead, use the Internet, or check with an auto club such as AAA to find out about construction, traffic, and weather scenarios into which you'll be driving.

"Keep your car radio tuned to a station that provides regular weather and traffic updates to help you avoid treacherous driving conditions and storm-snarled traffic," Weis says.

And if you can't avoid such conditions, be mindful of how to drive in them. Some tips:

Construction--Slow down and expect sudden stops; watch for and obey signs and signals; watch out for construction workers and equipment.

Rainstorms--Slow down and increase following distances; use windshield wipers and defrosters; turn on low-beam headlights so others can see you; watch for pedestrians; stay toward the higher middle of the road away from standing water.

Traffic--Maintain safe speeds and following distances; avoid the blind spots of other motorists; use your turn signals; and keep calm to remain in control.

The trip

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for every age from three to 33, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Speeding contributes to about one of three fatal crashes each year, taking more than 13,000 lives and costing $40 billion.

Planning ahead and giving yourself plenty of time can save you from becoming a statistic.

Use maps to estimate how long it takes to get where you're going. Leave early to allow yourself extra time. Figure in rest stops, refueling, and food breaks. Make lodging reservations in advance and consult travel guides so you know what to look forward to at your journey's end--and to schedule interesting side trips.

Treat the trip as part of your vacation. Make the travel part of the fun. Thinking ahead and attending to details can allow you to make the necessary drive not only safe but enjoyable.

Published May 26, 2006