Published 19 March 2025
Tips for safe driving in summer
- Despite some of the biggest driving risks being due to rain, sleet, snow and ice, the summer months can bring their own risks, too…
- With more people travelling further for their holidays during the sunnier months, there are statistically more vehicles on the road which can lead to big build ups of traffic - not to mention the glare on your windscreen from the sun!
- So, let’s take a look at how to stay safe in the sun…
How to drive in sunny weather
It’s always important to maintain good visibility when driving. Sometimes despite having sun visors, the glare from the road can make it harder to see what’s happening on the road ahead. Make sure you have a good pair of sunglasses to hand. Remember, the law doesn’t allow you to wear sunglasses in category four, because the lenses only transmit between 3% and 8% of light and are not suitable for driving at any time. Sunglasses with these lenses should, by law, be labelled 'Not suitable for driving and road use'.
How to prepare your car for summer
1. As always, make sure the oil and coolant levels are correct. Coolant is especially important for this time of year as hot weather can lead to engines overheating .
2. Tyres remain a very important part of your car safety checklist - if you have winter tyres on, make sure these are changed over to summer tyres, as winter tyres are less grippy in summer temperatures. Always make sure you have at least the minimum tread depth for your tyres - the usual trick for this is to slide a 20p coin at different points around the tyre; the tread is at an acceptable depth if it covers up the outer band of the coin.
3. Always make sure you have enough fuel (or charge if you drive an EV), as running out of fuel is a very common reason for a broken down car – especially on a longer journey. This can leave you in a sticky situation, especially if you drive a diesel as you’ll have to get a specialist to come out and re-bleed your fuel system.
Feeling sleepy?
This is a serious problem on the roads with one in five accidents on the motorway caused by drivers falling asleep behind the wheel. Here are some tips to make sure you stay alert:
1. Make sure you are well rested before starting a long journey. It’s a good idea to get an early night if you know you have a long road trip planned for the day ahead.
2. Always plan ahead to make sure you have a break every two hours or so. Stop for at least 15 minutes for a nice coffee or sandwich and a much-needed leg stretch!
3. If you’re starting to feel sleepy on the road, make sure you pull over as soon as you can. If you’re on a motorway or dual carriageway, don’t stop on the hard shoulder as this is dangerous and should only be used for emergencies.
4. Napping can be a very good way to combat tiredness on long journeys. Studies show that between 15 – 20 minutes is the most effective amount of time for taking a nap. Don’t oversleep though, as this can lead to a groggy feeling!
Should you leave pets in your car?
During the summer months especially during heatwaves, a car can rapidly overheat, so never leave pets in the car - even with a window down. According to Pets now, a dog can die in a hot car in a matter of minutes.
Keep your dashboard clear of gadgets
On the topic of your car overheating in the summer sunshine, it’s very important to make sure your dashboard and seats are clear of devices that could explode because of prolonged exposure to heat. This can include things like:
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Sat navs
Stay hydrated
One of the most important points is to make sure you stay hydrated! Always keep a good supply of water in the car in case of a breakdown or if you end up stuck in a traffic jam.
So, as the sun shines, remember to stay safe behind the wheel.
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