The California Highway Patrol and the California Office of Traffic Safety warn that summer presents a new set of challenges on the roads. Reporter Dan Stork passes along some hot-weather driving tips from the CHP…
Here are some of the hazards of summer driving:
- Leaving children or animals in a vehicle is particularly dangerous.
- Be sure that all children are properly restrained in a safety seat or booster seat when driving.
- More new drivers, generally young and inexperienced, will be on the road when school is not in session.
- Visitors cause more traffic, and may be distracted looking for landmarks and exits.
- High temperatures tax tires and engines, and can lead to blowouts in poorly maintained tires.
- More bicycles, motorcycles and pedestrians are on the roads. Pedestrians can be unpredictable and hard to see, especially in bad weather or after dark.
- Forest and grass fires generate smoke, reducing visibility and sometimes causing road closures. More emergency vehicles may be on the road in a fire area. Check for road reports before you leave home.
