Five Tips for Staying Safe on Summer Drives

Summer days in Louisiana are long and bathed in sunshine. With kids out of school, there’s more opportunity for fun road trips and outdoor adventures. However, if you’re planning to take a trip this summer, you’re likely not the only one. In addition to sun and fun, the summer brings an increase in traffic and heat, which can cause unique challenges for drivers. Use these five tips from your partners at Barker Buick GMC to stay safe no matter where your summer travels take you.

#1: Prep Your Vehicle and Keep it Maintained

No matter what time of year it is, a well-maintained vehicle is always a good thing. However, the Houma summer heat can exacerbate existing issues. Make sure your vehicle is up to date on routine maintenance, such as oil changes and brake inspections. Other maintenance you should consider includes:

Tire Services – Heat can cause the air in your tires to expand. Couple that with sizzling hot pavement, friction, and stress, and it could result in a blowout.  Add a weekly tire check to your normal routine to make sure your tires are always properly inflated. While you’re at it, check your tire tread as well.

AC Tune-Up – Get your AC inspected so you won’t spend your summer road trips in an uncomfortably hot car. 

Double Check Your Coolant Levels –  Before you head to the beach, make sure your coolant is topped up.

#2: Plan Your Route

Summer is a popular time for road construction, so stay informed about ongoing projects and plan around them. If you cannot avoid them, make sure to allow enough time for the traffic delay. While you’re checking for construction zones and possible delays, make sure you check the weather, too. Be cautious when traveling through rain and storms, especially in unfamiliar areas.

#3 Stay Hydrated, Cool, and Use Sun Protectants

Even though you’re in your car – hopefully with your AC running – it's easy to get dehydrated during the summer. Make sure you have water bottles available for everyone on board. Another common mistake summer travelers make is forgetting to wear sunscreen. Most auto glass blocks UVB rays and roughly 80 percent of UVA rays, but after hours of travel, the remaining 20 percent may be enough to give you a sunburn. You should also bring along sunglasses to avoid being blinded when you’re traveling toward the sun.

#4: Drive Defensively

There are more people on the road during the summer, so it’s important to drive defensively. Make sure you maintain a safe following distance when you’re in congested traffic. When you’re traveling through a town or city, watch for motorcycles, cyclists, and pedestrians who are likely enjoying the warm weather. Fully utilize your vehicle’s advanced safety features like blind spot alerts and pedestrian detection, which are included in GMC Pro Safety. Lastly, keep your eyes on the road. Scenic routes and summer activities, like fireworks, can be distracting, so be sure to stay focused and avoid using your phone.

#5: Make an Emergency Kit

Even if you plan to stay local for the summer, you should be prepared for an emergency. Pack an emergency kit that you can keep in your vehicle at all times. It should include a flashlight, chargers for mobile devices, jumper cables, water, non-perishable snacks, a first aid kit, and other basic tools. If you plan to travel through a remote area, pack flares in case you need to signal your location. Before you leave, let someone you trust know your route, destination, and estimated time of arrival.

Driving in the summer heat can be a breeze, especially when you’re nestled in the interior of a luxe SUV like the GMC Acadia. If you’re planning to upgrade your vehicle before you take your summer road trip, visit Barker Buick GMC and explore the models on our lot. Or stop by our Service Department to ensure your current vehicle is roadtrip-ready.