Summer is generally the safest time to drive; there are more daylight hours, visibility is good, and roads are usually dry. However, summer also means that there will be more kids on the streets, more health concerns for frail passengers, and more road rage.

Here are a few safety tips for Safe Summer Driving:

Kids are out of school – Be extra careful, watch closely for children at play. Also watch out for bigger, teenaged children “at play” behind the wheel of other vehicles.

Avoid vehicles from overheating – Check your radiator fluid levels regularly to prevent your vehicle from overheating. Check your air-conditioning before driving to be sure that it is in working order.

Frail passengers, children, and pets – Never leave frail passengers, children, or pets in a parked vehicle, even if it is in the shade. This is a leading cause of heat-related deaths. Temperatures in a parked vehicle can easily raise 20˚ or more above outside temperatures within just a few minutes.

Passengers in poor health – Summer can cause extremely dangerous conditions in which the body loses the ability to regulate its own temperature, so at-risk passengers should always travel in air-conditioned vehicles. Always carry a container of safe drinking water in your vehicle so that you can keep both you and your at-risk passengers hydrated. 

Beware of road rage – Be aware that usually aggressive and impatient drivers will be even more so on a hot day. Pay attention to your owe state of mind, and keep your emotions under control.

When we share the responsibility for safety in the workplace, everyone wins!!