Summer is finally rolling in, and that means a lot of people will be venturing out of their homes for fairs, festivals, special events and mini-vacations.
With all the extra vehicles on the road, it’s more important than ever for drivers to be safety-conscious – and summer is not without its unique roadway hazards. Here are three important reminders about safety for you and your passengers:
Keep your feet off the dash
There’s something about a summer road trip, even if it’s just to the beach and back for the day, that makes a lot of people want to kick off their shoes and put their feet up on the dash – but you need to resist that urge. If an accident happens, the force of the wreck (with or without an airbag) can shatter your feet and legs and dislocate your hips far more easily that way.
Don’t drive with bare feet
Speaking of cutting loose and going barefoot – it’s not illegal in Minnesota to drive barefoot, but it really isn’t a good idea. The treads on your shoes help you keep your foot in place and press the pedals down evenly, which makes for a safer drive.
There is one caveat to this rule, however: If your only other option besides going barefoot is to drive wearing a flip-flop or another loose shoe that could slide off your foot and get caught in the pedals, go barefoot.
Do keep your sunglasses handy
That summer sun gets bright, and the daylight hours are much longer. You need to protect your eyes from the glare, and the sun visor probably isn’t enough to do it. Keep a pair of sunglasses or clip-ons that you can quickly put into place handy so that you don’t get blinded by the sun while you’re trying to drive.
If you do end up in a car accident this summer, make sure that you fully understand your rights. If you’re not at fault, it’s only fair to ask the other driver’s insurance to cover your losses.