It doesn’t matter when you’re driving, the roads are a dangerous place. However, when you get behind the wheel during the summer months, there are some specific safety hazards to familiarize yourself with.
Here are five of the biggest safety risks to drivers during the summer season in Georgia:
- Sun glare: Even though there are ways to protect against it, such as wearing sunglasses and using your sun visor, it can still be blinding. And even if you take steps to reduce glare, it doesn’t mean that every other drive will do the same.
- Increased pedestrian activity: When the weather is at its best, you can expect a large number of people to get out and enjoy it. This typically results in more pedestrians, including bicyclists, in close proximity to moving traffic.
- Heavy rain: Although the summer months bring warm temperatures, it does the same with heavy rain. If the rain begins to fall, slow down, turn on your headlights and watch for aggressive drivers. And don’t be afraid to wait out a storm if you feel it’s the safe thing to do.
- Construction: The summer season is construction season. Sometimes, it’ll feel like you can’t drive a mile without running into a construction zone.
- Tire blowouts: When the pavement heats up, the risk of blowing out a tire is much greater. Make sure you have enough tread left on your tires, and that they’re inflated to the proper PSI.
With knowledge of common summertime safety hazards, you’ll feel more confident in your ability to prevent trouble.
Should another driver make a mistake, such as by speeding in a rainstorm, they put everyone on the road at risk. If you’re injured in an accident with a negligent driver, do the following:
- Move to safety
- Call 911
- Administer first aid until help arrives
- Obtain treatment at a local hospital
- Follow your doctor’s direction pertaining to your recovery
- File an insurance claim
In the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident, your health and recovery should take priority over everything else. Once you’re on track in this regard, you can turn your focus to the cause of the accident, who was at fault and the steps you can take to protect your legal rights.