Top 7 Summer Driving Tips!

  • Michael H. Ricca,
  •   None

With Memorial Day weekend completed, the unofficial start of summer is here! Summer is the busiest time of the year on the roads with many people taking vacations and road trips. To help ensure you have a successful drive out on the roads, here are our top 7 tips for summer driving.

1. Make sure you perform maintenance on your vehicle before you set off on a long trip. This includes performing a tune-up, oil change, checking the vehicle’s battery as well as the tires. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is in good condition. If any issues arise, you can get them fixed before you set out.

2. Even though you have performed vehicle maintenance, it is always a good idea to keep an emergency roadside kit in your vehicle in the event of an unforeseen breakdown. Items you would want to add to your kit include a cell phone and charger, nonperishable food and water, blanket, first aid kit, flashlight, flares, and jumper cables.

3. If you are traveling with children, check to ensure their car seats and booster seats are properly installed. You should also check to be sure that the car seats are facing the proper direction based on the age and weight of your child. If you have any questions regarding car seat installation, visit http://www.safeny.ny.gov/seat-per.htm for a listing of locations in New York where you can have your car seats inspected for proper installation.

4. Review forecasted weather conditions before you set out. If it is expected to be sunny, ensure you bring along sunglasses to help avoid issues with glare. If it is forecasted to rain, ensure that your lights are working and windshield wipers are working (this can be performed in conjunction with tip #1 above). Additionally, during the summer temperatures tend to rise. Be sure to never leave a child or a pet unattended in a vehicle.

5. Proper planning for your trip includes allowing for time to stop along your route to take a break from driving, stretch your legs, enjoy a meal, and use your cell phone to make a phone call or send a text message in a safe manner. If the driving distance is too much for one day, plan to stay overnight at a hotel in order to avoid falling asleep at the wheel.

6. Be aware of your surroundings out on the road. During the summer, many people like to enjoy outdoor activities including bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. It is important to be aware of others out on the road as they have the same rights as others on the road. Be especially mindful of distracted pedestrians whose eyes are focused on their cell phones rather than the road way and surrounding vehicles.

7. Obey all posted traffic and speed signs. Be aware of weather conditions that may necessitate a reduction in your driving speed such as wet road conditions. In addition, never drink and drive.

The Law Offices of Michael H. Ricca represents motorists throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. If you have received a traffic ticket contact our attorneys at (516) 500-1647 for your free telephone consultation or visit us online at www.RiccaLaw.com and complete our legal consultation form.

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