RUMSON- FAIR HAVEN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CAN DRIVE SAFER WITH KEY SUMMER DRIVING TIPS

Rumson- Fair Haven Regional High School students are now officially out for Summer, and out on the road. Numerous distractions such as talking on the phone, loud music, texting and having too many friends in the car can negatively impact teen car control, and are obvious things to avoid while driving. But Summer also brings some seasonal issues that inexperienced drivers should know.

Drew Groelinger, co-founder of Drive Safer, LLC,  a car control course taught by Certified High Performance Driving Instructors,  offers insight on Five Summer Situations that could adversely impact young and inexperienced motorists this summer:

• Dehydration – Summer is hot.  If you don’t drink enough water, it affects your thinking and reaction time.  If you don’t hydrate, you can put yourself at risk behind the wheel.  This could result in vision impairment and poor decision making, which could possibly result in an accident.  

• Overheating – Your car is thirsty too!  If you don’t occasionally check your coolant levels, your car may overheat.  This may result in a breakdown.  Even worse, if you break down in a compromised location, your car could get hit.  Also, it's smart to keep an eye on your tire pressures to avoid blowouts. The warm weather can increase your tire pressure.

• Exhaustion – Generally, people are more active in the summer, predominantly engaging in outdoor activities. Sun exposure can be just as impactful as physical exertion. Be aware of how you feel both mentally and physically before jumping into a car to take a long drive home. You may be too tired to drive safely.

• Traffic/Congestion/Attitude – In general, there is a lot of traffic during the summer, especially if you are traveling on holidays or weekends.  This puts drivers in close quarters with a lot of other motorists who may be experiencing rage.  Be extra vigilant. Don’t let the tension and frustration get to you; keep calm, breathe and pull off for a bit if you are feeling too tense. You don't want to end up in a dangerous situation or a body shop.

• Always Be Aware – Holidays and vacations are motivation to travel and celebrate, which can mean lots of drinking during the summer. Watch for erratic driving patterns from other motorists around you on the road. If you spot an erratic driver, alert authorities and keep your distance.

Summer is a great time to get out, see friends and visit fun locations. Just being more aware of yourself, your surroundings and your fellow motorists will ensure a fun and safe Summer driving season.