Skip to content Summer is prime time for road trips across Virginia, whether you’re headed to the beach, the mountains, or visiting family a few states away. Longer daylight hours and school breaks mean more cars on the road, more construction zones, and more opportunities for distracted or fatigued driving. Before you pack the car and hit the highway, here are some practical safety tips to help you and your passengers arrive safely.
Give Your Vehicle a Pre-Trip Checkup
Hot pavement and long stretches of highway put extra strain on your vehicle. Check your tire pressure and tread before you leave, since heat can cause underinflated tires to blow out. Top off fluids, especially coolant, and make sure your air conditioning is working properly. A quick inspection of your brakes, wipers, and battery can save you from a roadside breakdown far from home.
Watch for Summer-Specific Hazards
Virginia’s summer roads bring their own challenges. Construction crews often take advantage of warmer months to complete projects, so expect more work zones and reduced speed limits, particularly on I-64, I-81, and I-95. Sun glare during early morning and evening commutes can also reduce visibility, so keep sunglasses handy and your windshield clean inside and out.
Plan for Fatigue on Longer Drives
Long summer drives can be deceptively tiring, even in daylight. Plan to stop every two to three hours to stretch, hydrate, and switch drivers if possible. Drowsy driving impairs reaction time similarly to driving under the influence, so if you start to feel tired, it’s safer to pull off at a rest area than to push through to your destination.
Keep Your Driving Record in Mind
A summer road trip is also a good time to think about your driving record. Speeding tickets and other violations picked up on unfamiliar highways can add points to your license and raise your insurance rates. If you’ve received a citation recently, or simply want a refresher before a long trip, Ablaze Driving School’s online Driver Improvement course lets you brush up on safe driving habits, reduce points, and potentially lower your insurance costs, all at your own pace before you go.
Wherever the road takes you this summer, a little preparation goes a long way. Safe travels from all of us at Ablaze Driving School.