The Most Dangerous Summer Driving Hazards (And How to Avoid Them)
Don't let the lazy days of summer cause you to become too complacent behind the wheel. Here are five driving hazards that should remain on your radar during the warmer months.
Hitting a wild animal
As more cars travel the open road during summer, the risk of hitting a deer, moose or other wild animal increases. Collisions occur more often than you may realize—according to Desjardins, anywhere from four to eight large animal collisions take place every hour across Canada. To lower the risk of hitting a wild animal, turn on your high beams and be extra cautious from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to midnight. Don’t forget to wear your seat belt either, which could save your life if you are unlucky enough to crash into a large animal.
Hydroplaning in wet weather
Many accidents are the result of simply failing to adjust your driving behaviour to the conditions at hand. The old standbys you learned in driver’s ed—decreased speeds and leaving extra stopping distance between yourself and the car in front of you—still apply. Sometimes, however, it’s best to simply stop fighting the elements. Other tips for driving in the rain include:
- Ensure your windshield and windows are clean (interior and exterior)
- Check to make sure that all of your lights and turn signals are working properly
- Always use your headlights when visibility is poor
Snoozing at the wheel
Don’t let the excitement of reaching the Cabot Trail or your cabin in the woods tempt you to drive when you’re drowsy. According to the Ottawa-based Traffic Injury Research Foundation, approximately 167,000 Ontario drivers may have been involved in at least one crash due to fatigued or drowsy driving in a single year. Drivers should get a minimum of six hours sleep before getting behind the wheel and schedule a break every two hours. Do not drive at times when you typically sleep, or you may increase the odds of falling prey to exhaustion.
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Injuring a bicyclist or motorcyclist
It’s easy to keep an eye on other cars while driving, but bicycles and motorcycles typically become afterthoughts. These two-wheeled vehicles are smaller than your car or truck, and they may be harder to spot in your mirror. For their part, bikers should always dress in bright clothing, obey traffic laws and wear a helmet.
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Speeding and damaging your car
Speeding puts your insurance rates at risk—and can also severely ding your wallet if you damage your car but don’t have adequate collision coverage to help pay the repair bill. Not to mention, speeding is one of the greatest contributors to accidents at any time of year. Many people who slow down to a crawl in winter weather feel like it’s permissible to speed during the summer months simply because the road is free of snow and ice. Instead, take your time. A summer trip is something to savour. After all, winter will be back soon enough.
Next, check out the best road trips in Canada.
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