Increased Traffic and Heat Add to Road Safety Concerns This Summer

Increased Traffic and Heat Add to Road Safety Concerns This Summer

With school winding down and summer gearing up, increased road traffic looms on the horizon, raising the chances of collisions for drivers. While the season suggests relaxation and a break from the routine, drivers need to increase their awareness and focus on staying safe.

Teens are especially vulnerable to road traffic crashes this time of year. According to a 2007 study from Liberty Mutual and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), teen drivers spend 44 percent more hours on the road each week in the summer than during the school year. The study findings encourage parents to set rules for cell phone use, speed and seat belts, and enforce consequences for breaking these rules. A 2003 study from the same organizations identified that¹:

• 23 percent of teen drivers are more likely to drive with three or more teens in the car in the summer, compared to six percent of teen drivers who are more likely to do so during the school year.
• 72 percent of all teens report they stay out later during the summer than the school year. Additionally, 47 percent of teen drivers are more likely to drive late at night during the summer, compared to six percent of teen drivers who are more likely to drive late at night during the school year.
• 24 percent of teen drivers are more likely to drive when tired or sleepy during the summer, compared to nine percent of teen drivers who are more likely to drive fatigued during the school year.

In addition to increased teen traffic, expect more families to be driving America’s highways this summer. With jet fuel increasing along with gasoline, airlines are hiking ticket prices, prompting many to take vacations within driving distance of home.

The U.S. Department of Energy is hoping to combat rising fuel costs by encouraging consumers to slow down this summer, which can potentially lower gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway . That’s good news for both your wallet and your family, as driving within the speed limit can also save your life. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), slowing down while driving can increase the likelihood of surviving a collision. IIHS writes on its Web site that vehicle speed influences the risk of collisions in three basic ways²:

• It increases the distance a vehicle travels from the time a driver detects an emergency to the time the driver reacts.
• It increases the distance needed to stop a vehicle once an emergency is perceived.
• It increases the crash energy by the square of the speeds. When impact speed increases from 40 to 60 mph (a 50 percent increase), the energy that needs to be managed increases by 125 percent.

Another concern during the hot summer months is vehicle safety. Even the most alert and cautious drivers can still run into problems if their vehicles are not properly prepared for the heat. When the temperatures outside climb, tires, hoses and belts need to be carefully inspected before driving the vehicle. Any bulging or cracking on a tire, hose or belt can lead to a blowout or leak, as can under or over inflating your tires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends checking the air pressure in all tires, including the spare, before departing on any road trip, as well as replacing any hoses or belts that show signs of wear and tear.³

Additionally, just like the driver, your vehicle needs to be properly hydrated at all times. Before you take a trip, ensure that your vehicle’s cooling system is in working order to avoid the possibility of overheating. This is a great time to also check oil, brake, transmission, steering and windshield fluid levels as well.⁴

Be safe this summer. Buckle up, slow down and stay cool!