Tips for Driving Safely During the Summer

As most Irish people will know, June is the start of the exam season – and that usually means the start of the meteorological phenomenon known as Leaving Cert weather. We have all had to go through this ritualistic rite of passage of the scorching weather during the Leaving Certificate exams. Looking out at blue skies and the sun splitting the rocks while you sit Maths paper 1.

As the summer and the good weather approaches, drivers should prepare for driving in hot, sunny conditions. Here are our tips for safe driving during the summer months and longer evenings. 

Safe driving During the Summer Months

Windscreen and Wipers

Keeping your windscreen clean and clear is the number one thing for visibility. Check your water fluid levels, especially if you are driving in the city, dust and dirt can build up on your windscreen and even block the spray ducts on your car. Worn wipers should be replaced as soon as possible on both the front and back of your car.

Check Your Coolant Levels

The coolant in your car’s engine makes sure that it runs at the right temperature. If your coolant levels are low, it may cause your engine to overheat. Refer to your car’s owner’s manual to find where you can check the levels and add coolant. Keep it topped up over the summer to prevent any issues during long journeys or on road trips.

Check Indicator Lights

Indicators and all other lights should be checked before long journeys and monitored throughout the year. Keep some replacement bulbs at home to change when you need them.

Check your Tyres

Check for worn or damaged tyres that may be cause for concern should there be a change in weather temperatures. Increased temperature can increase the risk of a blowout. It is also important to check the ideal pressure of your tyres and make sure they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for your specific vehicle.

Sun Glare

The sunny weather can cause sun glare which, according to the RSA, can reduce visibility and result in drivers being temporarily blinded or dazzled by the intensity and brightness of the sun. Drivers can reduce the risk by wearing sunglasses, so it’s important to keep a spare pair in your car that can be worn while driving. Polarized glasses can be particularly helpful for protecting against glare and sunlight. Your car’s visor is designed to block the sunlight and reduce glare. Position your visor to block out the direct sunlight, but ensure it does not obstruct your view of the road. Most importantly, you should drive slowly and with caution in very sunny conditions; and just be mindful that it will likely be affecting other drivers as well.

Pack a Breakdown Kit

You can easily put together an emergency breakdown kit in case of emergency on the road. Include items like a torch and power bank and keep it in your car boot for when you need it. See our blog on the full list of what we recommend adding to your emergency breakdown car kit.

Driving While Tired

If you are tired while driving, it is recommended to take a 15 minute nap in a safe place or have some strong coffee during your break.

Use a Sat Nav or bring a Co-pilot

A Sat Nav that gives good audio instructions will keep you alert and on the correct path if you are travelling on unfamiliar roads. Drive carefully and stay alert if you are driving new routes. If you are travelling with someone who can act as co-pilot they can give you the directions as you go along…two sets of eyes are always better than one.

Don’t Drink and Drive

We all know the implications of drinking and driving by now, so don’t do it. Be sure to leave enough time between your last drink and when you are planning to drive a vehicle the next day. If you think you have overdone it, take extra time before you are safe to drive or get a lift.

Be Vigilant of Cyclists and Other Road Users

You can expect other types of road users to increase during the summer months. People are more likely to be out cycling on the road, or go for a walk or run outside. Motorbike use tends to also increase as the weather get better and the evenings get brighter during the summer months. Be aware of your blind spots when driving and be vigilant of other road users. Always slow down and allow extra space when passing

Put the Phone Away

Stay safe and keep the phone out of sight when driving, even if you do not intend to use it. Research has shown that the number one distraction for drivers in Ireland is mobile phone use. If you need to be able to take calls during your journey or use GPS, connect your phone to your car’s Bluetooth or use a hands-free kit so you don’t have to take your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road.

Know You Emergency Number

You are 2 hours’ drive from home and you have a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. Your phone has no mobile data so you can’t access your emails or check online for the emergency breakdown assistance number included on your policy. What do you do? Go walking until you can get signal? This is not always possible or safe, depending on the circumstances and time of day/night it is.

We advise all our customers to save our emergency breakdown assistance numbers to their phones in case of emergency. Having these numbers saved to your phone keeps an already inconvenient situation a bit easier.

All emergency numbers for KennCo customers can be found on the contact us page. We provide 24-hour breakdown assistance on motor policies and provide windscreen repair if you need to avail of this service.  

Car Checklist for long journeys

Get a quick Car Insurance Quote online in minutes through our website here or get a quote over the phone with one of our agents on 014092600!