Summer driving tips

The warmer, sunnier days can still pose hazards on the roads. Follow these driving tips to help stay safe. 

Bad weather conditions such as snow, sleet, rain, fog and high winds aren’t the only ones to be wary of when driving.

Bright, sunny days can pose their own risks – especially as there are more vehicles on the road during the summer months and people are likely to be travelling further.

Here are some of the simple things you can do – and potential hazards to look out for – to help you stay safe on the roads.

Summer car checks

It’s a good idea to check your car’s in full working order before every journey, but it’s especially important when you’re setting off on a long trip.

Check the engine oil, coolant and windscreen wash are at the correct levels and take a close look at the tread and air pressure of your tyres, as well as checking for any splits.

Icy, skiddy roads may be a well-known hazard but did you know… according to TyreSafe there are more tyre-related incidents in summer than any other time of the year?

To help you stay safe, make sure you have the legal minimum of 1.6mm of tread on all your tyres. You can quickly do this by taking a 20p coin and inserting it into the tread at various points around each tyre. If the grooves of the tyre are deep enough to cover up the coin’s outer band, then your tread is at the acceptable level. If you can see any part of the band then you’ll need to get your tyres checked by a professional as they may be illegal. 

You can check your tyre pressure at most local filling stations, or with a gauge or tyre inflator kit at home.

Your vehicle’s manual will tell you what pressure your tyres should be inflated to, but if you’re not sure you can use an online tyre pressure guide from national charity TyreSafe.

If you’re towing a caravan, be sure to check the pressure of its tyres as well as their condition.

Running out of fuel is one of the most common causes of breakdowns, so always keep an eye on how much fuel you have left and make sure it’s enough to get you where you need to go.

If you’re driving an electric vehicle, check there’s enough charge to reach your destination, or plan where you’ll stop along the route to recharge.

Hints and tips for summer driving

Roads are often busier during sunny spells – especially in the school holidays – while the warm days can lead to tiredness behind the wheel. Here are a few things to watch out for when you’re driving in the summer.

Glare

Direct sunlight can make it difficult to see when you’re behind the wheel. Make good use of your sun visor and keep a pair of sunglasses in the car for when the sunlight makes things tricky.

Tiredness

Feeling tired or drowsy when you’re driving is a serious problem. Around 1 in 5 accidents on motorways may be caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel. 

• Never start a journey when you’re tired and make sure you get a good night’s sleep before setting out on a long journey.
• Plan regular breaks if you’re travelling long distances – at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving.
• Levels of alertness are at their lowest between midnight and 6am, so avoid making long journeys during these hours. 
• If you start to feel sleepy, stop your vehicle in a safe place. Never park up on the hard shoulder of a motorway, this area is for emergencies only. Instead, make your way to the next services. 
• A short nap of at least 15 minutes is the most effective way to overcome tiredness.

Keep plenty of water

It may seem like a no brainer but if you're stuck in standstill traffic on the M25 on a boiling hot day, you'll need to keep hydrated. Keeping plenty of water with you is a good idea when going on any journey but particularly during the warmer months.

Don't leave things on your dashboard

Don’t leave things like food and drink or electronics on your dashboard or seats. Light energy easily passes through glass into your car which can quickly heat solid objects like your dashboard and seats, causing objects to melt or explode. 

Don’t leave children or pets in your car

It seems obvious but, according to Dog's Trust, winding a window down is not enough to help your dog and a dog can die in just 20 minutes if they're left in a hot car. Cars can quickly overheat to extreme temperatures so you should never leave dogs or children in a hot vehicle.

Lock your belongings

If you have to take any belongings with you, it's best to lock all your items in your glovebox or boot when travelling. Windows and doors should always be securely locked and it's best not to leave anything in your car unattended or in view.