Before heading out on the road during summer in Australia, it’s very important to be aware of some of the season’s driving hazards. Preparing yourself can save you time and costly repairs later on.
The Summer Heat
As the temperatures start to rise, you need to pay particular attention to your car’s coolant system. Pay attention to the temperature gauge in the vehicle. If it starts to go too high, either pull over and take a break or put the heat on for a little while. Yes, this might seem counterproductive. However, doing so will actually blow the hot air into the car as opposed to around the engine. Roll down the windows, so you get some fresh air. For both comfort and safety reasons, this is only a very temporary solution.
Running into Mother Nature
Animals love the warm weather too, but you and them on the road together are still a dangerous combination. Animals, especially kangaroos, could dart out into the road without giving you any notice at all. In addition to the animal being seriously injured or killed, your car will also experience a lot of damage. You and the other passengers could experience serious injuries. Therefore, you must always be aware of your surroundings.
Drinking and Driving
During the summer, many people go to more parties than they usually do throughout the year. Whether it’s barbecues or birthday celebrations, they tend to have a couple of drinks, and getting behind the wheel of a car after consuming these beverages is very dangerous. For example, according to the Government of South Australia’s Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, about a third of people killed in car crashes each year have an alcohol level over the legal limit. To avoid such problems, always appoint a designated driver when you’re going to be at a party.
Longer Trips
When the children are out of school and you still have plenty of days to take off from work, you’ll likely go on a holiday. Instead of taking a plane or train to the destination, you have decided to go on a road trip this year. Not only do these trips take a lot out of your car, but you might be doing much more driving than you should. A tired driver or a driver with sore muscles can be extremely dangerous, so be sure to have another person in the car who can take over the driving duties when you’ve had enough. A car with less than optimal leg room or storage space can exacerbate the feeling of tiredness and contribute to cramping.
Failure to Maintain
You must keep those carefree feelings of the summer in check. Do not assume that just because it is summer, you do not need to take your car for those regular maintenance appointments. Keep up with your regular schedule even if it means you have to miss one day at the beach. It could wind up saving your life later on.
When it comes to driving in Australia in the summer, quite a number of hazards are around. It’s important to be aware of these potential problems and keep them in your mind so that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable season. Buying or leasing a reliable late-model vehicle, such as a Toyota Corolla and keeping it maintained is a great step towards a safe road trip season.
Erin Warbrook is a freelance writer living in sunny Perth, Australia, writing on behalf of New Town Toyota Perth.
