Finally, the summer season is upon us! In Britain we are busy preparing to enjoy temperatures up to 30°C over the next few days (and hopefully weeks). Many will already be arranging picnics, beach trips, and mini-holidays to make the most of the sun. And those planning to travel in a car, especially if driving in a heatwave, will need to take precautions to make sure they’re comfortable and safe, however hot it gets.
These precautions are vital as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states that May was the start of the ‘dangerous driving season‘. Research from the IIHS reveals the largest number of fatalities on the road occur in the warmer months of the year. July and August are the worst for cases.
Andy Moody, Founder and Managing Director of GoShorty shared his list of driving tips to help sun-seeking drivers manage the hot seat, no sweat…
Check Your Car
You don’t need to be a mechanic to make a few checks before you set off. This is to ensure your car’s suitably prepared for travelling in hot weather.
- Top the tank up, as cars use more fuel the heavier the traffic – which typically increases in hot weather.
- Check the oil level before you leave to avoid damaging the engine, overheating and even breaking down.
- Check the battery, ensuring the brackets are secured and the cables are tight. The summer heat can drain the life from your battery 33 per cent faster than the colder seasons.
- Check your tyres before setting off and at any stop you make along the way. Driving on hot roads can melt tyre rubber and impact the tread, so ensure you’ve got a spare.
- Top the coolant up to keep the engine running at the correct temperature.
- Check the clutch. Busy summer roads necessitate more clutch control, so check yours is in working order to avoid stalling this summer.
Stay Hydrated
Take cold drinks, and then take more. A cool bag is your friend. Upping your fluid intake during hot weather seems obvious – but can be forgotten easily on busy days. You might need to stop at a couple more service stations than you’d like. However, it’s worth it for your well-being.
Use Sun Cream
Always make sure you’ve applied sun cream before setting off on long, sunny drives. Preventing sunburn – which can make you feel drowsy, weak and even faint – is essential. Adding a high-quality sun cream to your emergency car kit can also prove invaluable in case of a breakdown in a spot without any shade.
Take Breaks
We know the sedative effects of heat, but a sleepy driver is a dangerous driver. Make sure you’re well-rested before undertaking a long drive. Should you feel you’re flagging, take a break! Having a drink, stretching your legs, using the loo – activity outside of the car will refresh you. It will also get you feeling more alert for the road.
Limit Distractions
Playing music too loudly, wearing headphones and turning around to talk to passengers in the back all impact your ability to concentrate properly on the road – for which you can be fined up to £5,000. Limit distractions to limit risks of accidents and fines alike.
Care for Your Dog Correctly
If you’re planning to take your dog with you on your summer excursion, be aware that you’ll need to transport them in a crate, carrier or harness. This is to ensure you are in accordance with the Highway Code rule decreeing that dogs need to be ‘suitably restrained’ whilst in the car. Failure to adequately restrict your dog can land you with a £5,000 fine. If you’re travelling a long way with your pooch, consider investing in a cooling mat to help them maintain a comfortable temperature and avoid overheating. And NEVER leave a dog in a stationary hot car.
Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses can be an invaluable driving tool – preventing glare from obstructing your vision whilst you’re behind the wheel. Although you should never drive in sunglasses outside of daylight hours (doing so can result in a fine of up to £2,500), they’re a must-have to ensure you’re not dazzled driving on sunny days.
Pre-Plan the Route
Using your phone to navigate while you drive is a major no-no, for which you can receive 6 penalty points on your licence and a fine. In fact, holding any device receiving data when you’re driving is illegal – even if you’re sitting stationary in traffic – so you need to make sure you’ve planned your route before you set off. It’s okay to pre-programme your phone to operate as a sat nav throughout the journey before you set off – but you mustn’t touch it once you’re behind the wheel. If you’re caught using your phone and you’ve had your licence for less than two years, you could be banned from driving altogether.
Park in Shade
Once you’ve arrived, you should aim to park in the shade to prevent the car from overheating and ensure the battery isn’t drained by the time you return. To boost the protection from the sun, install window sunshades to help keep sunlight from baking your interior.
Treat Hay Fever
If you know you’re likely to suffer from the high pollen count, ensure you’ve taken all the precautionary steps to treat your allergies before you get behind the wheel. A runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing all affect your ability to concentrate on the road, so stock up on antihistamines, nasal sprays and any other anti-allergy medication you find helpful for managing your symptoms.
Whether you’re borrowing a convertible or a four-wheel drive for your summer excursion, get covered in less than 90 seconds with GoShorty’s temporary car insurance.
- Information provided via Press Release
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