How to handle common summer driving distractions

On Behalf of | Jun 23, 2020 | Car Accidents |

Distracted driving is dangerous for you and everyone else travelling on the roads you take. But learning how to avoid or manage summer-specific driving distractions may help save you from collision and injury.

There are measures you can take to help keep you and your passengers safe this season. Specifically, slowing down when you face driving conditions that aren’t ideal, keeping up with car maintenance and eliminating dangerous habits can help you make this summer unforgettable for positive reasons.

Slow down for construction

With the increased frequency of construction this time of year, there is a greater chance you will encounter the visual distractions and obstacles that these projects present. Thankfully, you can do a little planning ahead to avoid or be aware of current projects. Through the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s interactive online maps, you can locate active roadwork, construction, closures and more.

When you can’t avoid a construction site, it’s important to drive with care of the crew and vehicles. One easy way to do this this is by slowing down. At a slower speed, you will be able to maneuver more carefully around any people working on-site, hauling vehicles, cones or debris.

Check your tires

Tire pressure often fluctuates in the heat, and when your “check tire pressure” light activates that is a distraction in its own right. Until you shut off that light, chances are it will cross your mind again as you are driving. And when you are busy thinking about how you need to get your tires checked, you could lose focus on the road ahead.

To get rid of the light show on your dashboard or the mental distraction these lights can create, you should keep up with regular car maintenance. Plus, taking the time to check the tire pressure is always a better option than figuring out a shortcut to shut off the warning light because of the risk of a tire blowout.

Put down your phone

In the summer, long road trips might require you to use navigation apps or flip through your music to make the drive more enjoyable. Maybe you do this on short drives too or year-round. Either way, instead of fighting a temptation to pick up your phone to change music or plug in an address, you should do your best to select music and sort out directions ahead of your drive.

Getting a better grip on summer driving distractions, may help you become a better driver overall.

Archives

FindLaw Network