Driver Awareness and Safety Driving Tips for the Summer Season

The summertime is always something to look forward to. More sun, more fun, right? Bet some of you even had a new car audio installation to prepare for the road trips and escapades you’re planning to have in the next few months.

Before you hit the road this summer, though, remember to take extra precautions. With all the added travelers on the roads, many of them inexperienced teen drivers, there’s a higher risk of getting into road accidents during the summer season than any other time of the year.

Whether you’re heading to your summer destination or just driving to work, remember that arriving safely is your number one goal.

Here are 7 safety driving tips to always keep in mind this summer:

1. Keep Yourself Hydrated 

It’s often easy to ignore how much the sun can affect us physically. However, when you’re driving for hours or stuck in a traffic jam under the searing heat, you’re prone to fatigue and heat exhaustion.

Heat exhaustion can make drivers drowsy; and driving in such a condition puts everyone on the road in danger. To combat this, always take plenty of cold water with you this summer. Also, remember to take breaks and rest stops when driving long distances.

2. Monitor Your Vehicle’s Fluid Levels

It’s not just people that feel extremely hot in the summers; vehicles, too. Even if you’re used to driving in the sun, your vehicle may not be able to withstand the summer heat.

Overheating engines is a common problem among drivers during the hotter months of the year, so make sure to check and top up your coolant before heading out. Replenish your brake, power steering and windshield washer fluids as well, while you’re at it.

3. Double Down on Car Maintenance

Extreme heat takes a toll on vehicles, and it leads to more than an overheating engine. It can also affect braking ability, cause tire blowouts, and put increased stress on almost every mechanical function that your car performs.

You should pay extra care and attention to your vehicle’s brakes, and tire pressure during the summertime. Also, inspect your car’s radiator, pressure cap, belts, and hoses regularly to make sure they are in good shape. If possible, take it for a professional check-up and maintenance service in preparation for the summer months.

4. Watch Out for Distracted Drivers

There are more people going out and about during the summer months, which requires greater awareness from both drivers and pedestrians alike.

Summertime brings about more distracted drivers than any other season of the year. It could be a family with little kids going on vacation or teenagers on their way to the beach. Always keep an eye out for distracted drivers and keep your distance from them on the road.

Aside from distracted drivers, watch out for kids playing outside and distracted walkers (mostly people on their mobile phones) crossing the street. Slow down and remain alert when driving through neighborhoods and country lanes.

5. Avoid Distractions Behind the Wheel

Mobile phones and gadgets have certainly made life more convenient, but using them while behind the wheel of a vehicle is a safety risk. If you have a car video installation, only use them for music or GPS; save the entertainment for the rest stops as they might take your focus away from the road. Also, eating, putting on make-up, or browsing for music while driving are big no-nos.

If you must eat, take a call, answer a text, pull off to the side of the road first and head back out only when you’ve finished your business.

6. Don’t Forget to Buckle Up

Buckling up is one of the most basic safety driving rules we have to follow.

Summer time is the time to let loose, but never loosen up that seatbelt while you’re on the road. More than half of legal aged drivers who were killed in a car accident didn’t have their seatbelts on.

Whether you’re driving a truck, a trailer, a van, or a car, fastening your seatbelt is a safe driving rule that everyone in a vehicle should follow. Making sure that everybody along for the ride is properly strapped could mean the difference between life and death.

7. Never Drink and Drive

Drunk driving is a problem all-year-round, but it becomes an even greater hazard during summertime, when a lot of people are driving intoxicated on their way home from the beach, a party, or celebrating summer holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.

Driving under the influence not only puts your life in danger, but that of others as well. If you don’t have a designated driver, take a cab or find a safe way to get home.

About the Author

 Lauren Bricks is the Content Specialist for Streetfighter Motorsports LLC, a family-operated car audio and accessory installation, sales and customization facility located in Phoenix, Arizona. She loves cars and although she spends much of her week writing about them, she still finds the time to hop onto the second-hand Corvette convertible her dad gave her for her 25th birthday and drive to the countryside with the top down.

4 Things You Can Do to Stop a Loved One From Drinking and Driving

Despite the countless warnings and awareness campaigns, alcohol-impaired driving is still responsible for the death of 29 people in the U.S every day. That’s at least one death every hour.

The penalties for drunk driving, even for a first time DUI, can be severe; its effects, tragic. Thus, having a loved one who insists on driving while drunk can be a cause of constant fear and worry.

If someone you care about repeatedly drinks and drives, the natural course of action would be to stop them. The question is — how?

1. Have an Honest Conversation

Do you think your loved one has developed the habit of drinking and driving? Sometimes, the most effective way to get through to them is by talking about it – sit them down and speak about the issue in an honest and non-judgmental way.

Be aware, though, that your loved one may not welcome the idea of discussing their drinking problem and become very defensive. If this happens, keep your calm; don’t get mad at them or they might refuse to listen to anything else you have to say.

When having a conversation with your loved ones about their drinking habits, try to appeal to their sensibilities by highlighting how drunk driving could put not only their safety and life at risk, but that of innocent bystanders as well. Make them understand that your sentiments are coming from a place of love and concern.

2. Show Your Support

It’s normal to feel upset with a loved one who was arrested for DUI, but you also need to understand that dealing with the consequences of a DUI is already bad enough. You don’t want to pile your disapproval on top of everything else that your loved one is already going through, as this may only lead to resentment on their part.

Instead of going on and on about their obvious mistake, why not focus your energy on helping them get through the ramifications of their DUI? Accompany your loved one to see a DUI defense attorney, help keep track of court dates and DUI-appointments, or drive for him/her – these are just some of the things you can do to show your support.

3. Always Arrange A Sober Ride

Arranging a designated driver every time your loved one goes out to drink is one of the best ways to eliminate any chances of drunk driving. You can offer to be the designated driver yourself, or you can ask family members, friends, or even hire a designated driver service to handle the transportation to and from the venue and ensure that your loved one arrives home safely.

In the event that you’re both out and your loved one is well on his way to being drunk, ask for the keys early on (it might be harder to ask for it later after he/she has had too much to drink) and take the initiative to arrange for a safe ride – an Uber, a cab, or some form of public transport. If leaving the car behind is not an option, stay overnight and drive home in the morning when you’re both sober.

If you’ve tried everything, but your loved one still insists on driving home after a night of drinking, it might be necessary to call the police and report them. Nobody wants to put the people they care about in trouble with the law, but this can be your last-ditch measure to ensure that everybody gets home safely.

4. Get Help for Alcoholism

While not everyone who gets a DUI is an alcoholic, it can be considered a major red flag. If your loved one has been manifesting signs of alcoholism before the arrest, then the DUI should be a good opportunity to talk to him/her about getting treatment beyond the court-appointed sessions.

The thing is; it could be a challenge to convince people to help for their alcoholism, so you have to exercise patience when trying to reason with your loved one about it. Most importantly, don’t pressure them into getting treatment immediately. Allow them to take their time and make the decision for themselves. They must want the help for it to be successful.

Preventing a loved one from drunk driving is easier said than done, but it’s necessary to guarantee their safety.

About the Author

Michelle White is currently the Content Marketing Strategist for Arizona DUI Team. Aside from spreading awareness on DUI and vehicular-related offenses, she enjoys reading and hiking with her family and friends.

What Happens If You Are Arrested for DUI During COVID-19?

Getting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic is not a simple matter. The regular process is already complicated, lengthy, and challenging. With the COVID-19 restrictions, DUI cases have become more complex and confusing, especially for first-time DUI offenders.

When the pandemic struck in March 2020, legal offices and courthouses were forced to close temporarily. After the lockdown was lifted, several courts reopened, but services and operations were significantly reduced. As a result of this, cases piled up, and backlogs became the norm.

Additionally, some of those who were convicted and detained pre-pandemic have had to serve jail time longer than expected.

Sadly, even with the changes mentioned above and the COVID-19 restrictions, many people still go to gatherings to socialize and drink alcohol. This makes them susceptible not only to the virus but also to strict DUI laws.

Despite the pandemic, DUI offenders will still be arrested and required to attend DUI school/classes, surrender their driver’s license, and install an IID or ignition interlock device. They will also have to pay a specified fine. Although the amount varies per state, penalties for first offense DUI typically range from $500 to $2,000.

Additionally, DUI offenders are also expected to serve jail time, which is quite risky considering the nature of the COVID-19 virus.

However, government offices, courthouses, and the entire legal community immediately came up with several adjustments so they can continue DUI case processes without putting anyone in danger.

DUI Conviction Adjustments and Changes

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released several recommendations for processing DUI cases during COVID-19. State governments and the legal community also set guidelines to ensure the safety and protection of everyone involved in DUI case processes.

1. Regardless of which state the offense took place in, processing of the DUI case must be done in a spacious open-air area. Additionally, all parties involved are expected to follow health and safety precautions like wearing PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) and disposable gloves. Regular handwashing using soap and water and sanitizing with alcohol are also encouraged and required.

2. There should be no in-person or face-to-face contact for court proceedings. In some situations, when it is necessary, in-person is allowed, but only in limited capacities. There are specified authorized purposes, and protective measures and safety protocols are to be strictly followed.

Most court hearings are conducted online via virtual conference tools like Zoom.

3. While jails strictly implement COVID-19 safety measures, DUI offenders who spend time in prison in the middle of the pandemic are still exposed to risks.

Jail time still varies from state to state, but there are options now: some states require actual jail time for offenders; others allow offenders to go home and wait for their arraignment there.

Likewise, certain states have a Home Detention Program, where individuals convicted for DUI can serve jail time at home, complete with a breathalyzer and an electronic monitoring system.

4. After the lockdown in March 2020, speedy trials were temporarily put on hold as many courts closed. Some courts did resume operations, but only at 50% capacity. Provisions in speedy trial laws vary according to state, but they generally require courts to facilitate DUI case trials within a specified time frame.

Some states, like Kansas, made changes to laws protecting people’s rights to speedy trials so as to accommodate the backlogs that accumulated as a result of the lockdown and the pandemic.

With longer processing periods, extended court dates, and adjusted timetables, backlogs are inevitable.

5. DUI schools or programs are still in effect, but with several changes.

Some DUI schools in certain states and counties have temporarily closed their programs and classes. However, there are Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV-approved classes that are held online via Zoom. One good example is California’s AB541 Program for first-time DUI offenders, an outpatient program where offenders must join meetings and classes for 90 days.

For DUI offenders who prefer to complete DUI classes in person, they must go on a temporary leave of absence until face-to-face classes can resume. However, not all states and programs offer such an option.

6. In some states, there are two trial options available to DUI offenders: bench trial and a jury trial. A bench trial is tried by a judge. Jury trials require the presence of a jury, which is why they may take longer to finish nowadays because of COVID-19 restrictions. Bench trials can be done online via virtual video conference tools.

Author Bio:

Victoria Brown currently works as the Marketing and Communications Specialist at Law Offices of Brian D. Sloan. Her experiences with DUI cases in the past have inspired her to spread awareness about DUI laws in the United States.