Top 5 Summer Driving Hazards
Motorists associate the winter with poor driving conditions, higher accident rates and a need to drive slow and cautiously, while the summer season brings bright skies and sunny weather, causing some motorists to throw caution to the wind and to rediscover their need for speed. Safety Service Patrol operators know this common philosophy is erroneous. Many states’ patrol drivers, in fact, see an increase in traffic and motorist assists throughout the summer and for this reason, a number of states actually intensify their patrol beats, patrol hours and patrol routes in the summer.
An increase in traffic volume with motorists looking to travel more often for vacations and fun summer outings amounts to a need for escalated awareness on the 
road. In case motorists are not, it could be useful for patrol operators to be aware of the top five road hazards during the summer months:
1) Increased Rainfall: The snow may have melted and the sun may shine more often than not, but with the summer comes more rainfall. Motorists should be weary of hydroplaning and should check road conditions prior to embarking on their travels to be aware of flooding and road closures. Safety Service Patrol drivers who encounter motorists who have fallen victim to this hazard can remind them not to press the brakes when hydroplaning to prevent their wheels from locking.
2) Potholes: After the winter, more roads have potholes due to frozen rain and snow expanding under the road and pushing dirt and gravel out. Increased traffic and hot temperatures put even more pressure on these holes in the road. Potholes create danger for motorists, especially when traveling at high speeds. They are often the cause of a blown tire on the highway. While DOTs and toll authorities increase efforts to repave roads during the summer months, Safety Service Patrol Drivers can help by advising motorists to check their tire pressure and their tire treads prior to leaving the house.
3) Increased Road Construction: While motorists take advantage of the warm weather by taking trips to the beach, DOTs and tollway authorities associate good weather conditions with an opportunity to fix the roadways. So, once the summer months hit, roadway construction projects pop up on highways across the country. Safety Service Patrol drivers are aware that construction projects will lead to more traffic and more traffic can lead to more incidents. It’s important to remind motorists to obey the rules of the road and to move over sooner rather than later when they see “Road Work Ahead” signs on the highway.
4) Cars Overheating: Engines tend to overheat more often in hot summer weather due to the increased use of car’s air conditioners and the increase in tem
perature in the atmosphere. Safety Service Patrol drivers can recommend that motorists change their oil and check their coolant levels, radiator, cooling fan and thermostat to be sure their car will not over heat.
5) Inexperienced Drivers: Research shows that teen driver crashes and fatalities are highest during summer months. The 101 days from Memorial Day to Labor Day give teens more opportunities to drive on unknown roadways and in unfamiliar conditions. Safety Service Patrol drivers can warn motorists to stay alert and aware of other motorists on the road in order to improve the safety of all drivers.
The beautiful summer months are enjoyable, but it’s best to remember that with warm weather and sunny days, motorists can forget to be cautious and be alert while driving. For this reason, a nice summer safe driving tip for motorists who require assistance could make everyone’s summer a little happier and safer.