Safe Summer Driving

By Ben Glass, Esquire

The summer presents some unique challenges for drivers all over the Washington metropolitan area. What should you be on the lookout for, and how can you keep your car running safely all season?

Be Aware of Teen Drivers

The moment school lets out, the roads will be flooded with young drivers taking their first car out for a spin and chauffeuring their friends around all summer. Good for them. I remember those summers as a lot of fun. I also remember what a terrible driver I was. The problem is compounded by what great drivers teens think they are. Keep your eyes out for inexperienced drivers once school is out.

Tire Over-inflation

Heat causes air to expand, increasing the air pressure in your tires. People who fill their tires up in the winter are sometimes at risk of a tire blowout in the summer once the temperature rises. Monitor your tire pressure levels closely, because you don't want to be stranded on the side of the road in the dead heat of summer waiting for a tow truck.

More Work Zones

As a child growing up in the area, I thought people were joking when they said, “Northern Virginia is permanently under construction,” but they were right. There is always a massive road project underway, and the summer is when construction work really picks up. We're past the rains of spring and get consistent conditions for completing work projects. Be aware that it's work zone season, and be prepared for increased traffic and the occasional detour.

Engine temperature.

If you're cranking your AC nonstop in an older car, there's a chance your engine can overheat. Check your fluid and coolant levels this month, before the weather gets even hotter. Should your engine light come on, pull over and allow your car to cool off to prevent any potential long-term damage.

Stay safe and stay cool out there.