Summer driving is one of life’s great pleasures, but for many reasons it is also fraught with danger. Not only are there more cars on the road, but also many more cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians all out enjoying the sunshine. Whether you are heading off to the beach, a festival, a family holiday or are going bush, don’t forget that the safety of yourself, your passengers and other road users should always come first. By following these three simple reminders, we can all enjoy a fun and safe summer on the roads!
3 Things to Remember about Staying Safe on the Road This Summer
Maintain Your Vehicle
Properly maintaining your vehicle is one of the single-most things you can do to ensure a safe ride. Summer is a great time to attend to all of those car maintenance tasks that you have been putting off. Getting a full car service and wheel alignment done by an experienced automotive mechanic is an investment in your peace of mind. Tyre pressure and tread should be checked regularly as the summer heat can play havoc with your wheels. If your tread is worn down, ask our mechanics about the great tyre specials available at our Perth workshop. There is nothing worse than sweltering in a stuffy metal box on a hot day, so periodic air conditioning repairs are also a very good idea!
Be Prepared
Plan ahead to make sure your trip is as risk-free and enjoyable as it can be. Try to avoid driving at peak times wherever possible. Take extra care and allow more time for traffic congestion caused by holidaymakers, festivals, parades and sporting events. If you are going to an event where it is likely that you will consume alcohol, make sure there will be a designated driver who will remain sober. Alternatively, leave the car keys at home and plan to catch a taxi or public transport.
Stay Focused
Summer vibes can sometimes lead to careless driving and excessive alcohol consumption. Even if we are very careful ourselves, it pays to be aware of the dangers posed by other motorists. Avoid any distractions, electronic or otherwise, to ensure that you can respond quickly if necessary. Allow enough space between yourself and other road users in case you need to brake suddenly. If you are on a family holiday, make sure the kids are safely restrained and that you have lots of snacks and games to keep them amused for the long journey. If you are travelling with family pets make certain they also are appropriately restrained and have plenty of fresh water.
If you need any more tips on safe summer driving, don’t hesitate to have a chat with our friendly team in Canning Vale. We can offer you dependable but cheap car servicing, affordable wheel alignments and great deals on Kumho tyres.