Now that summer is finally here, motorists are taking to the road in droves for vacations and other fun events. Being aware of certain hazards is important in this case, as summer carries its own unique risks for drivers. Travelers explains what you should look out for when driving this summer.
Summer means more motorcyclists on the road, which can be hazardous when drivers don’t take the proper precautions. Motorcycles are often tough to identify, as they can easily slip into your vehicle’s blind spot. Accordingly, make sure you remain vigilant when changing lanes on the highway or turning. Instead of relying on your mirrors alone, look for the presence of motorcycles before making a sudden maneuver. Also, keep a good distance between you and motorcycles in case one stops suddenly.
You’ll probably encounter a lot more bicyclists this time of year. Keep in mind that bicycles are afforded the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles on the road. As a result, you must respect the presence of bicycles and ensure they’re provided ample room. If you’re passing a bicycle, allow at least three feet between you to prevent a crash. You should also allow quite a bit of room when following behind a bicycle.
Lastly, be sure to respect any pedestrians you encounter when driving. Be especially cautious at night if you live in an area with a lot of foot traffic. You should also take care at crosswalks. Some drivers choose to pass a stopped vehicle, which could be stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the street. Distractions are just as dangerous to people on foot as to drivers, so be sure to look out for distracted pedestrians when driving through town.