Summer brings longer days, holiday traffic, and many unique challenges for drivers. Whether you’re heading out on a family adventure or managing a commercial fleet, understanding the risks and best practices for summer driving is crucial for safety and efficiency.
Key Hazards of Summer Driving
1. Heat-Related Fatigue and Dehydration
• High temperatures can cause fatigue and irritability, reducing concentration and reaction times.
• Even a 5% drop in hydration can lead to a 30% decrease in concentration. Keep a bottle of water in your vehicle and drink regularly to stay alert.
• Sun glare is intensified in summer. Keep windscreens clean and wear sunglasses to reduce eye strain and improve visibility.
2. Increased Traffic and Unfamiliar Road Users
• Summer holidays mean more vehicles on the road, including caravans, horseboxes, cyclists, and pedestrians. Many may be unfamiliar with the routes, leading to sudden stops or erratic manoeuvres.
• Construction and road maintenance are common in summer, causing congestion and tempting drivers to rush once clear of roadworks. Plan routes and allow extra time for delays.
3. Vehicle Wear and Tear
• Tyre pressure: Higher temperatures increase tyre pressure, raising the risk of blowouts. Check tyre condition and pressure monthly. For every 10° increase or decrease in temperature, tyre pressure can be affected by approximately 1-2 PSI (0.1 bar), even if the vehicle hasn’t been driven.
• Coolant and Engine: Hot weather can lead to overheating. Regularly top up coolant and turn off the engine if stuck in traffic to prevent overheating.
• Air Conditioning: Pools of water under your vehicle are often from conditioning condensation, not leaks. Vapour from vents is normal in hot weather.
4. Distractions and Reduced Attention
• Drivers tend to be more relaxed and easily distracted in summer, especially with increased sunlight and longer journeys. Stay focused and avoid using mobile devices or adjusting infotainment systems while driving.
• After rain, roads can become extra slippery, particularly following long dry spells. Driver carefully and adjust speed as needed.
Practical Tips for Safer Summer Journeys
Prepare Your Vehicle
- Check tyres for pressure and tread wear
- Top up fluids: coolant, oil, brake fluid, and windscreen wash
- Maintain a clean windscreen to reduce glare
- Test air conditioning before long trips
Prepare Yourself
- Stay hydrated and take regular breaks, especially on long trips
- Wear sunglasses to combat glare
- Avoid driving tired plan rest stops and share driving if possible
Plan Ahead
- Expect heavy traffic and plan routes to avoid peak times and known construction zones
- Share the road with vulnerable users; give cyclists, horse riders, and pedestrians plenty of space
- Pack an emergency kit including water, first aid, phone charger, and sun protection
Stay Alert to Changing Conditions
- Look out for loose chippings, especially near roadworks, which can damage your vehicle
- Be aware of sudden weather changes. Rain after dry spells can create slippery surfaces
- Keep an eye out for unfamiliar road users who may make unexpected manoeuvres
Summer brings longer days, holiday traffic, and many unique challenges for drivers. Whether you’re heading out on a family adventure or managing a commercial fleet, understanding the risks and best practices for summer driving is crucial for safety and efficiency.
Key Hazards of Summer Driving
1. Heat-Related Fatigue and Dehydration
• High temperatures can cause fatigue and irritability, reducing concentration and reaction times.
• Even a 5% drop in hydration can lead to a 30% decrease in concentration. Keep a bottle of water in your vehicle and drink regularly to stay alert.
• Sun glare is intensified in summer. Keep windscreens clean and wear sunglasses to reduce eye strain and improve visibility.
2. Increased Traffic and Unfamiliar Road Users
• Summer holidays mean more vehicles on the road, including caravans, horseboxes, cyclists, and pedestrians. Many may be unfamiliar with the routes, leading to sudden stops or erratic manoeuvres.
• Construction and road maintenance are common in summer, causing congestion and tempting drivers to rush once clear of roadworks. Plan routes and allow extra time for delays.
3. Vehicle Wear and Tear
• Tyre pressure: Higher temperatures increase tyre pressure, raising the risk of blowouts. Check tyre condition and pressure monthly. For every 10° increase or decrease in temperature, tyre pressure can be affected by approximately 1-2 PSI (0.1 bar), even if the vehicle hasn’t been driven.
• Coolant and Engine: Hot weather can lead to overheating. Regularly top up coolant and turn off the engine if stuck in traffic to prevent overheating.
• Air Conditioning: Pools of water under your vehicle are often from conditioning condensation, not leaks. Vapour from vents is normal in hot weather.
4. Distractions and Reduced Attention
• Drivers tend to be more relaxed and easily distracted in summer, especially with increased sunlight and longer journeys. Stay focused and avoid using mobile devices or adjusting infotainment systems while driving.
• After rain, roads can become extra slippery, particularly following long dry spells. Driver carefully and adjust speed as needed.
Practical Tips for Safer Summer Journeys
Prepare Your Vehicle
• Check tyres for pressure and tread wear
• Top up fluids: coolant, oil, brake fluid, and windscreen wash
• Maintain a clean windscreen to reduce glare
• Test air conditioning before long trips
Prepare Yourself
• Stay hydrated and take regular breaks, especially on long trips
• Wear sunglasses to combat glare
• Avoid driving tired plan rest stops and share driving if possible
Plan Ahead
• Expect heavy traffic and plan routes to avoid peak times and known construction zones
• Share the road with vulnerable users; give cyclists, horse riders, and pedestrians plenty of space
• Pack an emergency kit including water, first aid, phone charger, and sun protection
Stay Alert to Changing Conditions
• Look out for loose chippings, especially near roadworks, which can damage your vehicle
• Be aware of sudden weather changes. Rain after dry spells can create slippery surfaces
• Keep an eye out for unfamiliar road users who may make unexpected manoeuvres
Common Summer Driving Myths; Debunked
| Myth | Reality |
| Pools of water under the car means leaks | Often just condensation from air conditioning |
| Vapour from vents is a problem | Usually harmless water vapour from the air conditioning unit |
| Engine noise means trouble | Roaring may simply be the cooling fan operating as intended |
| Less power in hot weather means a fault | Warm, less dense air can reduce engine efficiency; not always a sign of mechanical issue |
Plan Better Journeys
Long drives to the coast, family getaways, or airport runs are all part of summer. But a safer, less stressful trip starts with more than just checking your vehicle. Taking regular breaks is essential, yet nearly 30% of drivers don’t think about rest stops when planning their route.
By building in time to pause, stretch, pr explore a local spot, you’ll stay alert and make the drive more enjoyable. From service areas to fam shops and scenic places to walk the dog, there are plenty of options to break up your journey and make lasting memories. As part of National Highways TRIP campaign, they have created this really useful list of all the rest stops for your to consider when travelling on the M1, M5, M6, M25, M40, A1(M) A30 and the A46. So remember to use the National Highways guidance before setting out on a long journey: Top-up, Rest, Inspect, Prepare.
Safety First
Summer driving can be enjoyable but requires extra vigilance. By preparing both your vehicle and yourself, staying hydrated, and anticipating the unique challenges of the season, you can ensure safer, smooth journeys for everyone on the road.
