Top tips for driving in summer
Published 9 April 2021
Last updated 12 April 2021
In this blog, we provide top tips for driving in summer so that you stay safe. They include basic vehicle checks, route planning and how to stay alert.
Well, from the window at Blog Towers it looks like summer’s here. It may be the usual British thing, when we all get overexcited and start wearing shorts, only to have to cover up with a duffel coat days later but, at the moment, it’s looking very promising.
Hot wheels
Long sunny days can be the perfect opportunity to get out and about in your car. You’ll have some wonderful days out with barely a cloud in the sky or a hitch in the journey, but you should also consider the less attractive alternative: getting stuck in a traffic jam in tropical temperatures as everyone battles their way to the beach.
It goes without saying that getting stuck in a hot car is no fun at all. Even with air conditioning, a radio and a ready supply of water, it can be a total pain, so it’s always a good idea to prepare yourself, your car and your route before setting off.
With that in mind, here’s the SDFL guide to staying cool on a hot day.
Check your car
Basic checks before you set out can save a world of pain if your car breaks down during the journey. As a minimum, check the engine oil, coolant and screenwash levels are correct. Additionally, check the car’s tyres for tread and pressure – and do not forget to make sure you have enough fuel too. Running out of fuel is one of the most common causes of breakdown on the UK’s motorway network.
Check ahead
If the weather’s good and it’s a weekend, bank holiday or the ‘summer season’, then check an online route planner or a mobile phone app for traffic updates. You might also be able to pick up the latest travel news on local radio. Even on an ordinary weekday, it’s still worth checking for updates in case of accidents or unexpected closures. You can get a summary of current traffic conditions in England on the Highways England website. Roads and motorways in Scotland are the responsibility of Transport Scotland, while those in Wales are looked after by the Welsh Government.
Remember, rule 149 of The Highway Code states that you MUST NOT use a hand-held mobile phone or similar device when you’re driving. Make sure that you check the travel news before you leave, or use the live traffic function if you own a sat nav with traffic update features.
Go your own way
Some stretches of road – such as the A47, which leads to the Norfolk coast, or the A39, which heads toward the seaside in the south west – are notorious for heavy, slow-moving traffic. Plan an alternative route to your destination if you can.
Strategic timing
Avoid travelling back on a Sunday evening before a school term starts. And if you’re on holiday, but everyone else is toiling away at work, then plan your trips to avoid rush hour.
Drink
In general, you should always look to stop in a safe place before you eat and drink. Avoid getting over-tired or dehydrated; take frequent breaks from driving to rest, drink and eat. These breaks will not add much to your journey time, but they’ll help to keep up your concentration levels while you’re driving.
Keep 'em happy
If you’re travelling with children, pack toys and games that will keep them occupied and reduce the chances of them distracting your attention from the road.
Stay sharp
Keeping a regular supply of cool air circulating inside the car will help you stay comfortable and alert.
Beware of the glare
Driving in summer can mean bright sun and tired eyes. Keep your windscreen clean, use your sun visor and wear sunglasses if it helps.
So there you have it: your handy, print-out-‘n’-keep guide to driving in summer. Now go and book those holidays …
You can get more top tips and advice on driving in all kinds of conditions by visiting the SDFL shop and picking up a copy of The Official DVSA Guide to Driving – the essential skills.