Summer Safe Driving Tips
Courtesy of the North Dakota Work Site Safety Program

One of the most important things to remember as you travel is that different weather conditions demand different driving behaviors. You want to make sure you can properly adjust your driving behavior to meet various weather and road conditions. Whether you’re traveling near or far this summer, use the following driving tips to help make your journey safer!

General Tips

• In road construction, be aware of narrowing or eliminated lanes as well as crossovers onto the other side of the highway. Merge into the proper lane when it is safe to do so. Do not drive on the shoulder of the highway! It is illegal and dangerous.
  
• If it is raining, slow down! As roads become wet and mix with dirt and grease, your tires are unable to maintain traction properly. Look for washed out roads and corners and curves that may be slightly slicker. If you are driving an older vehicle and you approach stop signs or traffic lights, gently pump your brakes to prevent your vehicle’s wheels from locking. Lastly, turn on your headlights.
  
• If you experience high winds, watch for semis, trailers and vans. Since they ride high off the ground, they are more likely to be affected by a sudden, strong gust.
  
• If you are driving in foggy weather, slow down and use your headlights. Because your visibility is reduced, you will be unable to see oncoming traffic (they can’t see you either) or the road ahead. Lastly, stay toward the right side of the road.

Dangerous Drivers

If you spot a driver doing any of the following dangerous driving behaviors, increase the distance between yourself and the other car and be on the lookout!

• Straddling center lane, weaving, drifting or swerving,
  
• almost hitting another car or object,
  
• unexpected stopping or erratic braking,
  
• driving extremely slow,
  
• abrupt and unexpected turns,
  
• rapid acceleration or deceleration and/or
  
• making wild turns.
  

Source: http://fairlanecredit.com/yourcar/travel/driving.htm

Summer Vehicle Maintenance

It’s always a good idea to attend to your vehicles basic maintenance at various times throughout the year. This includes checking the oil, balancing the tire pressure, etc.

In the summer, however, you should take care of some extra maintenance items. Whether for work or pleasure, you’re likely going to be traveling some longer, and perhaps unfamiliar, routes. The temperature can become quite hot and this can effect your vehicle and its performance. Here are a few tips on how you can better prepare your vehicle for the rigors of the season.

• Before a long journey, get a tune up. Do more than standard oil, air and fuel filter changes. Inspect all belts and hoses for cracks and wear. Being proactive instead of reactive can prevent costly repairs.
  
• Get a grease job. If your service shop offers a free safety check or inspection, take it. It is always good to know how much life is left in your brake pads or shoes.
  
• Wash the undercarriage of your car.
  
• Test the engine coolant. If necessary, change it. A system pressure test can help show any potential leaks before you haul a heavy load of passengers and gear. Check your driveway, garage or parking place for telltale spots of green fluid.
  
• Check the air conditioning system.
  
• If you drove over rough terrain last winter, get a wheel alignment. This can minimize the wear on your tires.
  
• Remove your winter/snow tires. Store them in a cool, dry place.
  
• Ensure your tire change kit is complete and easily accessible and check the condition of your spare tire.
• For longer road trips, carry items such as windshield washer fluid, bottled water and a first aid kit.

Source: http://www.icbc.com/Road_Safety/roadsafety_tips_season_summer.html

Driving Tips for Roadway Construction Zones

According to the United States Department of Transportation, construction or work zones can be very dangerous for all vehicles especially when traveling on the highway. It is important to be alert and be prepared to slow down or stop in a work zone. Slowing down and allowing others to merge will ensure a safe passage through work zones. Here are a few tips to remember on work zone safety:

Slow Down and Pay Attention! - Work zones are busy places where construction vehicles and workers are always moving. Stay alert in work zones and stay on the safe path that is designated throughout the work zone. Slow down and allow extra time to travel.

Avoid Complacency - Don’t become oblivious to work zone signs when the work is long term or widespread.

Calm Down - Work zones aren’t there to personally inconvenience you. They’re there to improve the roads for everyone.

Heed Warning Signs and Symbols and Take Your Cues From Semis and Large Trucks - Because of their height advantage, semis can see ahead of traffic and can be great indicators of trouble or slow downs ahead. Paying attention to a semi’s brake lights is a good signal of a slow down or work zone ahead. Semi drivers know the stopping limitations of their trucks and pay close attention to traffic. So to help you be prepared, heed warning signs and posted speed limits and take your cues from these large vehicles.

Merge Gently - Merge as soon as possible. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by moving to the appropriate lane at first notice of an approaching work zone. For a smooth passage through work zones, allow others to merge in front of you. Be especially considerate to semis and large trucks. They require more space to merge and are the least maneuverable vehicles on the road. Remember, these vehicles have large blind spots making it difficult to see cars squeezing in close to the front and sides of their semis.

Slow Down When the Signs Indicate - A car traveling 60 mph travels 88 feet per second. If you see a sign that says road work ahead 1500 feet, you’ll be in the construction zone in 17 seconds.

Keep a Safe Distance - Always maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic barriers, semis, construction equipment and workers. Normal driving conditions do not exist in and around work zones. Anticipate events and be ready to respond quickly.

Some Work Zones are Mobile - Line painting, road patching and moving are mobile construction activities. Just because you don’t see the workers immediately after you see a warning sign doesn’t mean they’re not out there. Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says “End Road Work”.

Pay Attention to Your Surroundings - This is not the times to use a cellular phone, change the radio station or engage in anything that will distract your attention from your primary task - driving.

Leave Braking Room - Leave plenty of braking room between you and the car in front of you. Generally speaking, leaving at least two car lengths is a good rule of thumb.

Expect Delays - Plan for possible delays and leave early to reach you destination on time, or, if you know of road construction, consider using an alternate route.

Source: us54south.com

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