August is here, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that August and September are the months with the highest rate of fatal car accidents. A number of factors contribute: more people are travelling, people are more likely to be using their toys, and construction crews take advantage of the warm weather to repair roads. These tips can save you a headache and keep you on track to enjoy the last months of 
summer.
– Inspect your tires before you set off on that road trip. The warm weather will cause the air in tires to expand which can lead to a blowout if any of your tires have an existing defect.
– Grab a water bottle! Summer heat can be exhausting, and your body may become dehydrated before you are aware of it. Have a cool drink handy to keep you comfortable and focused on the road.
– Always obey posted speed limits. Particularly on sections of highway under construction, the speed limit may drop 20 miles per hour or more. If you are not prepared to slow down, you may be in for a bumpy ride! Not to mention, speeding tickets increase in posted construction work zones, for both the safety of construction workers and other travelers.
– Slow down when passing through towns and crosswalks. Warm weather means more people out and about and using pedestrian crosswalks. Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey state law gives the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks, and drivers are required by law to yield.
– Pay attention to your surroundings and share the road. Summer time also means more motorcyclists and bicycles on the road, as well as more lightweight convertibles. Always be aware of who is behind you so that they don’t unknowingly end up in your blind spot.
Stay safe as you enjoy the warm weather! Follow these tips and plan ahead for a great vacation! Be sure to check out my article on stay productive at the beach. Give me a call at (267) 627-4JOE (267-627-4563) to schedule a free consultation. Visit my website and blog for related articles, and get the first chapter of my Pennsylvania Car Accident Playbook.
