Summer is a time for road trips, family outings, and enjoying the open road under the bright sun. But while this season is filled with fun and adventure, it also brings hidden dangers that drivers often underestimate. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has been continuously reminding the public about essential safe summer driving tips to help prevent serious, even deadly, incidents.
Every year, tragic stories surface of children who suffer or die after being left in parked vehicles. Likewise, tyre failures and blowouts become more common in the scorching heat, leading to dangerous accidents. By learning and following these life-saving safe summer driving tips, you can protect yourself, your passengers, and everyone else sharing the road.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into practical, easy-to-follow advice based on the RTA’s guidance and highlight how a few simple steps can make a big difference.
Why Safe Summer Driving Tips Are So Important
In hot weather, a parked car can quickly become a deadly trap. Research shows that the temperature inside a car can reach over 70°C in minutes, even if the outside temperature feels moderate. Children are especially vulnerable to heatstroke because their bodies heat up faster than adults.
Tyres are also at higher risk in summer. Under-inflated or worn-out tyres can overheat and burst, putting you and other drivers in danger. The RTA stresses that following safe summer driving tips is not just good advice — it is crucial for saving lives.
Never Leave Children or Pets in Cars
One of the most important safe summer driving tips is to never leave children or pets in a parked car, not even for a moment.
How Quickly Can a Car Heat Up?
Many people think it’s fine to leave a child in the car for just five minutes, but even a short time can be fatal. Here’s what happens: In 10 minutes, a car’s inside temperature can rise by more than 10°C. In 30 minutes, it can be over 20°C hotter than outside. Within an hour, the temperature can become deadly. Children can develop heatstroke when their body temperature reaches 40°C, and brain or organ damage can happen quickly at this point. A core temperature of 42°C is often fatal.
Signs of Heatstroke in Children
Hot, red, and dry skin, Fast heartbeat ,Dizziness or confusion ,Loss of consciousness. If you see these signs, act immediately. Move the child to a cooler area, call emergency services, and try to lower their body temperature.
Simple Habits to Prevent Forgetting
Always look before you lock. Check the back seat before leaving.
Put an important item, like your bag or phone, in the back seat as a reminder.
Teach kids that cars are not places to play or hide.
Lock your vehicle when parked to prevent children from climbing in.
Check and Maintain Tyres Regularly
Checking your tyres is another key safe summer driving tip. Tyres are your vehicle’s only contact with the road. When temperatures rise, they expand and can easily fail if not properly maintained.
Dangers of Neglected Tyres
Under-inflated tyres create more friction and heat up faster, increasing the risk of a blowout. A blowout at high speed can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, leading to severe accidents.
How to Keep Tyres Safe
Check pressure using a reliable gauge every two weeks and before long drives. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Inspect tread depth, which should be at least 1.6mm. Worn-out tread means less grip and longer stopping distances.
Visually check for cracks, bulges, or nails. Even small damages can lead to big problems.
Check tyre age. Tyres older than five years should be replaced, regardless of appearance.
Service Your Car Before Summer Trips
Before heading out on a summer road trip, one of the smartest safe summer driving tips is to get a full vehicle check-up. Preventive maintenance can save you from unexpected breakdowns and keep you safe.
What to Check
Coolant system. Make sure your radiator and coolant are working properly to prevent engine overheating.
Air conditioning. A working AC system is essential for comfort and to prevent heat-related fatigue.
Brakes. Make sure brakes are effective and responsive.
Battery. Heat can shorten battery life. Check for corrosion and ensure connections are secure.
Regular maintenance increases your car’s efficiency and reliability and helps keep you safe.
Stay Hydrated and Rested
Another often overlooked safe summer driving tip is to take care of yourself. The heat can make you tired and dehydrated faster, affecting your ability to drive safely.
Tips for Drivers
Drink water regularly before and during the drive.
Avoid heavy meals right before driving, as they can make you drowsy.
Plan for breaks every two hours to stretch and refresh.
If possible, share driving duties on long trips.
Adapt Your Driving for Hot Conditions
Driving on hot roads requires a few adjustments to avoid accidents. Surfaces can become slippery with melting tar, and bright sunlight can reduce visibility.
Adjustments You Should Make
Reduce your speed and keep a greater distance from the car ahead.
Avoid sudden stops and sharp turns.
Wear sunglasses to minimize sun glare.
Choose to drive in early morning or evening hours when temperatures are lower.
Pack an Emergency Kit
A well-equipped emergency kit is one of the most practical safe summer driving tips. It can help you handle unexpected situations if you become stranded or face a sudden problem.
Items to Include
Plenty of drinking water
First-aid kit
Phone charger or power bank
Basic tools
Spare tyre and repair kit
Reflective warning triangles
Flashlight with extra batteries
Being prepared can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation.
RTA’s Campaigns and Public Awareness
The RTA’s continuous campaigns emphasize these safe summer driving tips to remind drivers of their responsibilities. Every year, they highlight:
The danger of leaving children and pets in vehicles
Importance of checking and maintaining tyres
Full vehicle checks before travel
Hydration and driver health
Their advice is backed by research and real-life incidents, making it essential to follow.
Real-Life Stories That Highlight the Dangers
Sadly, every summer, we hear heartbreaking stories that show why these tips are so critical. In one tragic UAE case, a father left his toddler in a parked car thinking he would be back in minutes. The child died from heatstroke in less than half an hour.
In another case, a family’s car tyre burst during a road trip, leading to a serious accident that left several injured. These real-life events serve as harsh reminders that complacency can have devastating consequences.
Community Responsibility
Safe driving isn’t just an individual responsibility. We all have a duty to look out for each other.
If you see a child or pet left alone in a car, call emergency services right away.
Remind friends and family to check their tyres and service their vehicles.
Share RTA’s safe summer driving tips on social media or in your community.
Your actions might save someone’s life.
Conclusion: A Safe Summer Is a Happy Summer
Summer is meant to be joyful and full of wonderful memories. By following these safe summer driving tips, you can ensure that your road trips and daily drives are safe and stress-free.
Never leave children or pets in cars. Check and maintain your tyres.
Get a full vehicle service before long trips. Stay hydrated and avoid driving when tired.
Adjust your driving style for the heat. Carry a well-stocked emergency kit. Share and support RTA safety campaigns.
Remember, every small action can make a big difference. This summer, let’s promise to stay alert, stay prepared, and keep each other safe on the roads.
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