ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR SAFE SUMMER DRIVING.
According to the Drive Zimbabwe Roadside Assistance, summer and fall are the most dangerous times of the year for drivers.
Rain weather is a common cold-weather threat to driver safety, but summer brings with it its own set of dangers. For drivers, the added traffic of summer vacationers is just part of the increased risk — construction, sun glare, and unpredictable weather patterns all add to the danger. According to the Drive Zimbabwe Roadside Assistance, summer and fall are the most dangerous times of the year for drivers. More drivers are out on the road during this time, which increases the likelihood of collisions. For fleets and professional drivers, this time of year isn’t just business as usual; it requires more attention to safe driving practices. Here’s a look at eight ways to stay safe behind the wheel.
No. 1: Prioritize Vehicle Maintenance.
Extreme heat takes a toll on vehicles. It can lead to tyre blowouts and can affect your vehicle’s braking ability. It causes your engine to overheat more easily and places increased stress on just about every mechanical function your vehicle performs. Paying extra attention to tyre pressure and tread, checking the brakes frequently, and making sure that your vehicle’s cooling system has all the proper fluids can help keep vehicles from being sidelined during the summer months.
No. 2: Stay Alert for Distracted Drivers on the Road.
Whether it’s families on vacation, summer roads are filled with drivers who are more distracted than usual. While distracted drivers are already a threat on the roads, summer can bring more distractions than usual, so watch out for drivers who aren’t watching out for you. If you see a distracted driver, give yourself more space to avoid being near them on the road.
No. 3: Stay Informed of Weather Conditions.
Depending on what part of the country you’re in, your summer weather patterns could include thunderstorms, downpours that result in flash flooding, and more. These often can happen with little to no warning, so make sure you know the forecast for the area you’re driving each day, and check in periodically just to make sure nothing has changed.
No. 4: Be Mindful of Peak Travel Times and Events.
Some days are more dangerous than others; weekends and certain holidays are associated with an increase in drinking and driving. So, professional drivers who are behind the wheel during this time, require more attention to the surrounding hazards. On the weekends, the highest number of fatal crashes happen between 3 a.m. and 7 p.m., so be aware of increased risk when you’re behind the wheel and take extra safety precautions as needed.
No. 5: Prioritize Eye Care for Optimal Driving.
Driving can be hard on the eyes, period. But during summer months, when the sun is out in full force, there’s also an increased amount of sun glare coming off the road and other vehicles. This can be particularly dangerous during the early morning and late evening, so invest in a good pair of polarized sunglasses. They’ll help protect your eyes from fatigue and damage, cut down on glare and make it easier to see clearly.
No. 6: Maintain a Safe Following Distance.
Whether you’re hauling a heavy load or driving a light-duty vehicle, increasing your following distance can help offset the dangers brought by heavier traffic, construction zones and vacationing drivers who are travelling in unfamiliar areas.
No. 7: Recognize and Respond to the Impact of Heat on Driving.
Finally, it’s easy to dismiss just how much the sun can affect us, but it’s important to pay attention to how it affects both drivers and vehicles. Heat exhaustion can make drivers drowsy, and an overheated vehicle can leave them stranded. This is not the time to push yourself or your vehicle past the limit — that only makes it unsafe for everyone on the road. You can combat fatigue by taking frequent breaks, and paying attention to your vehicle’s warning signs can prevent you from breakdowns and malfunctions.
While you can’t change the behaviour of other drivers around you or the conditions of the road you’re on, following these eight tips can help you have a healthier, safer summer… Quick check, have you told a friend or family member to sign up for the DRIVE ZIMBABWE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE membership? We go beyond roadside assistance just for you. Get your hands on a DZRA 1-year membership now. Call us or WhatsApp at 0780 579 261/0718 084 297 / 0736 523 424 Office+2638677160725 Email:info@drivezim.co.zw You probably didn’t have it in your plans, and you might not be exactly thrilled to have to call a tow truck. But it does happen, and when it does, perhaps the first thing on your mind is how much it will cost. The second thing is how much it would cost to tow your car.It is every car owner’s worst nightmare to have a vehicle break down in the middle of a road trip or city errand. It’s even worse when there’s nothing you can do about it – either because you’re too busy to address it yourself or if you just don’t know how to. That’s where Drive Zimbabwe Roadside Assistance comes in handy! The world may be unpredictable, but our towing service is something you can always count on. If you get stranded on the side of the road DZRA is the ideal breakdown cover provider if you’re looking for a simple experience that won’t break the Bank.