Talk to your teen about the dangers of distracted driving. Have a spare tire in your car. We value your trust. This compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. Follow signs and, if lanes are being closed, merge early before entering the work zone. According to the National Safety Council, the number of car accidents is already 14 percent higher than this time last year. Check engine coolant, hoses, and belts frequently. Car insurance for high risk drivers in Maine, California Consumer Financial Privacy Notice. Increased costs on top of an already dangerous time to be driving could be a recipe for pricey accidents. What are index funds and how do they work? LexisNexis reports that speeding ticket violations especially major ones are increasing. Stay in the car to protect from hail injuring you. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. Not only are there plenty of potholes to be filled from the winter months, but there are also a lot of road repairs, buildings, and homes being constructed. This increases roadblocks, traffic jams, delays, and detours. Any description of coverage is necessarily simplified. This season, keep in mind that summer brings with it a number of weather-related changes and cultural patterns that make driving more dangerous. Save your car, gas, and expenses by checking tire pressure frequently! Liability coverage can help pay if you are at-fault for an accident that injures or damages another person. Session 23: Major Events and Congestion Management, Enhancing Safety Service Patrol Drivers Safety, Back to Safe Highway Matters: Spring 2010. This has already led to a 9.3 percent increase in roadway deaths during the first nine months of 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Drivers have to share the road with more cyclists and bikers who are finally able to take their vehicles out after the long winter. Youve probably seen a couple cars on the side of the road this summer. Navigating Your Business Through COVID-19, http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812148.pdf, Learn More About Commercial Truck & Auto Insurance, Safeguard Your Business with a Distracted Driving Policy, Encouraging Driver Health & Wellness for Businesses, Keeping Drivers Safe in Dangerous Conditions, Tips for Selecting Safe Drivers for Your Business, Specialized Insurance Solutions for Commercial Auto & Trucking. Get the personal service and attention that an agent provides. We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Were transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported. Look for bicycle riders, especially when opening your door and making right turns at intersections. This increases the traffic on the road. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within the listing categories. The construction mentioned above can also have an impact on road conditions, as can speed bumps, curbs, and potholes. Another factor to keep in mind this summer is the cost of a road trip. Merge early before entering the work zone. Similarly, collision claims severity in 2021 began to trend upward in April and peaked in August. The beautiful summer months are enjoyable, but its best to remember that with warm weather and sunny days, motorists can forget to be cautious and be alert while driving. Youll likely see more motorcycles out on the highways and cyclists on the roads. Other. If your engine overheats, it could cause a fire or breakdown that can be incredibly dangerous on the road. Compared to 2019 and 2020, major speeding tickets began to increase in May 2020 and stayed elevated through June 2021, the most recent data available. Turn on your windshield wipers at the first sign of rain. Be sure to look for any damage to your tires. This year, with most parents at home during the day and camps canceled, we may see even more outside activity. We guide you throughout your search and help you understand your coverage options. Its 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. But we all know the inexperience of being a young driver. Give bikers at least 3 feet of clearance when passing. Follow motorcycles at greater distances, as motorcycles can stop more quickly than automobiles. Also, be sure to slow down around construction zones as the majority of work zone injuries and fatalities occur in the summer and fall months. Bankrates editorial team writes on behalf of YOU the reader. Your road kit should include: Keep your eyes open. So, whether youre reading an article or a review, you can trust that youre getting credible and dependable information. Just watch out for these common driving hazards.Typical Hazards: Summer often feels like the season of construction. Co-worker / colleague But this vacationing also brings other concerns. One would think that with warmer temperatures and roadways free of ice, snow and sleet, that this would be the safest driving season. Summer is often synonymous with long drives with the windows down and the radio up, but it isnt all picturesque. Enjoy your summer fun: go swimming, build a sandcastle, and savor an ice cream cone. A truck accident plan can help keep drivers safe, and help your company determine the root cause. Puddles cut down on tire traction, leading to hydroplaning and fishtailing. In addition, summer vacationers may be driving overloaded vehicles with obstructed windows, and drivers may be sleep-deprived from longer days and activities that stretch into the night. This is when the pavement is slipperiest. Whether a particular loss is covered depends on the specific facts and the provisions, exclusions and limits of the actual policy. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that were putting your interests first. These have the highest incidents of car accidents, especially fatal ones. A sample of our services in the workplace, Training we offer in the workplace and community. Instead of making seasonal changes to your policy, finding a coverage level that works for you year-round is generally better. 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. Nothing on this site alters the terms or conditions of any applicable insurance policy. Always have an emergency road kit on hand in case you run into any of these summer dangers. We wish we didnt have to say it, but we do. Replace your wiper blades in the spring so they better clear water. NDASA Accreditation signifies the highest standards in the drug and alcohol testing industry. Animals may be coming out of hibernation for mating season, so there are more animals crossing the streets and causing accidents. The NHTSA confirms this data, noting that: According to the Federal Highway Administration, vehicle miles traveled in the first nine months of 2021 increased by about 244 billion miles, an 11.7 percent increase from the same time period in 2020.. Perhaps they are in a vacation state of mind, on their phones, eating, smoking, etc. 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. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. 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. Resources to help you adapt to the realities of COVID-19. Do the best you can to be aware and drive safe. Like bicyclists, motorcyclists are exposed and vulnerable to accidents, but theyre also moving at faster speeds. Summer is also hail season. People are taking off work and heading out on their vacation trips. Treat bicycles the same as slow-moving vehicles. You must drive defensively and watch out for inattentive drivers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. There are more people outside in the summer months, which calls for greater awareness by drivers. During the warmer months, kids and families are outside during the day, walking, playing games, chasing balls and often not paying attention to the street. Look for eyes reflecting of the light. Call (844) 232-2700 to compare quotes today! If youre taking a road trip this summer or just hitting the road for daily travel, here are some things to keep in mind. Vehicle maintenance is important for all cars, but if you have a vehicle that you store over the winter, making sure its in good shape for the summer season is also important. There are more teens on the road in summer, and curfews tend to be more relaxed. Travelers Marketing Estimates predict a new record high for vehicle miles traveled in 2016, likely due to low fuel prices and economic activity. And dont underestimate that glaring morning or midday sun. Causing an accident is even worse for your car insurance rates than being convicted of speeding, based on our assessment of premium data. NOCoE Whats more, summer weather, includingheavy wind, rainandfog, can also rival the challenges posed during a winter storm. While the winter season is often associated with risky driving conditions, summer has its own risks. Which certificate of deposit account is best? Avoid known construction areas by finding an alternate route. To ensure the highest safety inwork zones, drivers should: Expect the unexpected: slow down, increase their following distance and avoid distractions. Most deaths occurred in urban areas and between 6pm and 9pm. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); TSS's monthly newsletter is full of the most up-to-date safety information for your home, community and workplace. It might be their first summer or their tenth. Keep extra water in your car. Should you accept an early retirement offer? For quality control purposes, your activity on this website may be monitored or recorded by EverQuote or its service providers. Extra daylight and warmer temperatures bring people outside and onto roadways. 4) Cars Overheating: Engines tend to overheat more often in hot summer weather due to the increased use of cars air conditioners and the increase in temperature in the atmosphere. Cars cant stop or speed up as easily on wet roads, which can lead to inaccurate timing and loss of control. Home equity line of credit (HELOC) calculator. Drowsy driving is also more common due to dehydration and longer days. Youre still missing one key step, though: checking your car insurance coverage. 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. You have money questions. There are many reasons that a driver may not be paying attention. To ensure the safety of pedestrians, drivers should: There are other types of summertime driving risks to consider as well, such as recreational drivers who are unfamiliar with local roads and young drivers who may lack experience behind the wheel. Distracted, drunk, and drowsy are the most dangerous types of driversand theyre all more common in the summer. Remember that, even in the fun of the sun, driving can be dangerous if taken lightly. Use your headlights and high beams when driving at night. Hot temperatures can cause the air in your tires to expand. Be aware when opening car doors, making turns, and changing lanes. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to individual eligibility and the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. All of our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and reviewed by subject matter experts, who ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and worthy of your trust. The penalties for driving without car insurance, 3 Kinds of Insurance You Dont Know Youll Need, Life Insurance Coverage For You And Your Family, 6 Things You May Not Know Are Increasing Your Insurance Costs. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How did you learn about us? Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalkpedestrians could be crossing the road. More crowded roadways generally mean a greater chance of experiencing a driver practicing dangerous habits or getting into an accident. You could also use Google Earth to get the lay of the land or talk to people who have been to your destination before. This is because rain can impact the vehicles performance, driver behavior, and uncontrollable speed. Or call (844) 232-2700 to speak with a licensed insurance advisor. By researching the risks of your area or travel route and maintaining your vehicle, you can lessen your risk of damage. If a storm is coming, you may be able to alter your route or delay your trip to let it pass. Maybe the tires need a bit of air or the brakes need to be checked and possibly replaced. And it isnt just other drivers you have to worry about. Whether youre planning a road trip or driving to and from work, know your route and the unique risks it poses. Flash flooding and rain on top of dry conditions can cause visibility issues and hydroplaning. Take extra precautions if youre in a hail-belt state like Wyoming, Colorado, Missouri, or Kansas. Moreover, winter months tend to create an increased number of potholes. Treat bikes like slow-moving vehicles. Teenage accidents and deaths are at an especially high rate during the summer months. This could leave you on the hook for liability, property damage, and more. Tire blowouts increase in frequency during the summer months for a variety of reasons. Make sure the spare has the right tire pressure as well. If you notice your engine temperature is growing too hot, pull over and turn off the vehicle.
What to do when you lose your 401(k) match, highest average price per gallon at $6.32, Car insurance for high risk drivers in Illinois. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout lifes financial journey. Plus, 73% of work zone crashes damage propertyeither your car or the construction equipment. 2022 Bankrate, LLC. Like motorcycles, bicycles can be difficult to see, and they can be even more vulnerable in a crash. Plus, drivers tend to have more erratic and nervous behavior in the rain, which is a major contributor to accidents. One great way to protect against the above summer hazards is with appropriate auto insurance. Cate Deventer is a writer, editor and insurance professional with over a decade of experience in the insurance industry as a licensed insurance agent. Try to do your part to stay focused and watch out for possible collisions. Drivers tend to be more distracted, on their phones or chatting with friends. Let employees know thatgetting there safelyand back home againis their most important responsibility on the road. Consult the actual policy or your agent for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs that may be available to you. Despite increased costs at the pump, Deloitte Insights reports that 46 percent of Americans are still planning to travel this summer. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. They could be waiting for pedestrians to pass. With the current reality of more employees working from home through the pandemic, is your business ready for all the implications?