Winter is usually the season most people think about when it comes to driving challenges. However, driving in the summer presents its own set of risks, with more auto-related accidents recorded in the warm weather months. Just because the weather is pleasant, that doesn’t mean new drivers are off the hook when it comes to responsible driving. As the weather changes, your road safety habits should change too. From sun glare and road construction to out-of-town drivers, summertime requires all drivers to be extra vigilant and share the road wherever possible.
5 Training Topics for Drivers
Despite all the upsides of summer, there are also more vehicle damages and car insurance claims that come along with the season. With more cars, cyclists, and pedestrians on the road, this congestion increases the likelihood that something will go wrong. While you may not encounter all of the following hazards, it’s a good idea to keep these tips in mind when you’re out on the road in the summer as a new driver:
● Increased Construction: Summer is often the season of construction. With plenty of potholes still unfilled from the winter months, road repairs, and building construction, you can count on delays, road closures, and more traffic. Drivers are expected to approach cautiously and follow all signs and detours closely in order to avoid potential accidents or interference with working construction crews.
● More Drivers: With vacationers and tourists entering and exiting the area, congested roads become more dangerous as there is less room to maneuver if something goes wrong. It’s a good idea to give yourself extra time to get to your destination to avoid being in a rush, and If you run into heavy traffic, slow down. Tourists are likely driving erratically if they are unfamiliar with the roads and in these situations, it’s better to give them space and pass them once you can do so safely.
● Tire Blowouts: During the summer months, tire problems are much more common as the warmer weather increases the pressure in your tires, which can cause blowouts if they are worn or damaged. Underinflated tires also result in increased friction which causes the tires to overheat more easily. Be sure to check your tire pressure frequently and watch for signs of damage.
● More Motorcyclists, Cyclists, and Pedestrians: There are more people out and about in the summer which requires greater attention from all road users. Be sure to check twice before switching lanes and be aware of your blind spots at all times as people on two wheels or pedestrians are much harder to spot than cars.
● Unpredictable Weather Conditions: Summer weather can be trickier to navigate than you may expect. If you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall, rain and flash flooding can lead to visibility issues and hydroplaning. Slow down before, during, and after a rainfall, drive around puddles where possible and follow any tracks from the car ahead which are likely to be the driest spot on the road. On sunny days, direct sunlight can interfere with your visibility and cause you to dehydrate; pack a water bottle and some sunglasses to stay hydrated and protected.
Learn All the New Driver Tips from the Professional Instructors at DriveWise
At DriveWise, we offer a new driver program that is designed to give learners the basic tools and knowledge they need to become safe and considerate drivers.
Are you a new driver who wants to enhance their existing skills behind the wheel? Register for our new driver program and learn how to drive safely and with confidence from some of the best instructors in the business.
It is especially important for new drivers to be aware of the kinds of potential road hazards they may face in the summertime. Fortunately, by exercising skill and caution, you can be sure that you, your passengers, your vehicle, and other drivers remain safe on the road.
At DriveWise, we are focused on preparing new drivers with our unique blended learning approach that combines classroom, simulation, online and one-on-one in-car training to provide learners with all the tools and experience that are necessary for developing safe driving habits. New drivers will receive instruction from our team of highly qualified instructors who are experts in teaching students how to be confident drivers and make the right decisions behind the wheel.
For more information about our new driver programs and how we can help you become a safe and skilled driver, give us a call at 1-705-730-1130 or reach out to one of our representatives through our online contact form or chat window.
