Driving in the summer can seem deceptively easy once the winter snow and spring storms have cleared. However, there are many road hazards that place a senior's safety at risk during the summertime. Whether they are heading for a cross-country road trip or just taking a quick drive to visit a friend, these tips will ensure seniors arrive safely at their destination.
Be Alert for Inexperienced Drivers
Once school lets out, a flood of teenagers hit the road, and their lack of driving experience places everyone's safety at risk. According to a study conducted by the AAA Traffic Safety Foundation in 2013, fatal accidents involving teen drivers increased by 43% during the summer months. Seniors living in tourist towns should also be aware of drivers who are unfamiliar with the traffic laws and routes to popular destinations. Senior adults should move away as soon as it is safely possible from drivers that show signs of inexperience such as sudden stops or failure to signal.
Minimize Interior Heat
The inside of a vehicle can reach dangerously high temperatures in the summer months. To avoid being blasted with a sudden intake of hot air, seniors should wait a few seconds after opening their care doors to enter the vehicle. Fabric seat and steering wheel covers can also be used to prevent scalds from hot leather. Seniors should also choose shaded parking spaces and use a windshield shade to reduce interior temperatures. It is also helpful to have the vehicle's air conditioning system inspected at the beginning of the season to avoid it malfunctioning on the hottest day of the summer.
Guard the Keys
Lockouts are annoying, but during the summer they can become extremely dangerous if a senior has a pet or grandchild in the car. For this reason, it is important for seniors to make sure they have the keys in their hand before they get out to help kids or pets out of their seat. Seniors who turn their air conditioning on before getting in the car should also be cautious about their doors locking automatically. Since accidents do happen, it is best to always carry the contact information to a reputable locksmith that can ensure seniors do not wind up stranded on the side of the road.
The summer is the perfect time for seniors to get out and enjoy the sunshine. Yet, they should always be careful about seasonal hazards. By taking a few simple precautions, seniors can go about their itinerary while keeping them and their passengers safe on the road.
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