Summer Driving Tips

Summertime usually means vacations and summer road trips, with more people driving, walking, and biking.

Now is a good time to review summer driving safety tips.

Heatstroke

Never leave children alone in the car — not even for a minute. A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s. Even if the outside temperature is as low as 60 degrees and the windows are cracked, the temperature inside a vehicle can rapidly reach deadly levels.
Visit NHTSA.gov/Heatstroke to learn more tips and reminders to prevent heatstroke.

Seat Belts

Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. Ensure that everyone else in your vehicle is buckled up in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, or seat belts.

Car Seats

Remember that all children under age 13 should always ride correctly buckled in the back seat of the car.

Make sure car seats and booster seats are correctly installed and that any children riding with you are in the right seat for their ages and sizes. See NHTSA’s child passenger safety recommendations to find the right seat for your child’s age and size.

Visit NHTSA’s Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator to find a free car seat inspection station near you or to get information on virtual inspection options.
Never leave your child unattended in or around a vehicle.

Always remember to lock your vehicle and to keep your keys out of reach so children do not play or get trapped inside. Remember to always check the back seat before you leave the car.

Stay Alert

For longer trips, plan enough time to stop to stretch, get something to eat, return calls or text messages, and change drivers or rest if you feel drowsy. Always look out for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Avoid Risky Behaviors

Do not text or drive distracted; obey posted speed limits; and always drive sober. Both alcohol and drugs whether legal or illicit can cause impairment. It is illegal to drive impaired by any substance in all states – no exceptions. Alcohol and drugs can impair the skills critical for safe and responsible driving such as coordination, judgment, perception, and reaction time.