Summer is here, and many of us are gearing up for road trips and well-deserved vacations. As traffic increases, it’s more important than ever to think about staying safe on the road. 

Thankfully, modern cars have state-of-the-art safety features that help keep us out of harm’s way. Here, we look at some of these innovations and a few tips to ensure a smoother and safer summer drive. 

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS for short, are game-changers when it comes to driving safety. These systems use sensors, cameras, and radar to monitor what’s happening around your car and provide real-time feedback.

Automatic emergency braking (AEB): On summer road trips, especially in high-traffic areas, drivers might face sudden stops or unexpected obstacles.  AEB systems help by automatically braking if a potential collision is detected, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions

Lane departure warning & lane keeping assist: During long drives on unfamiliar roads,  you might accidentally drift out of your lane. These systems help keep you safely in your lane by alerting you and making slight steering corrections.

Blind spot detection: Busy summer traffic might result in more cars in your blind spots. This system uses sensors to monitor hard-to-see areas, and if it detects a vehicle, it will give you a visual and audio alert so you can change lanes safely. 

Adaptive cruise control: This smart cruise control adjusts your speed to keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. It can be particularly useful on those long summer drives, reducing the stress of constantly adjusting speed in varying traffic conditions.

Enhanced Visibility Features

Seeing clearly — and being seen by other drivers — is key to road safety. Modern cars come with features that help improve visibility in all conditions.

Adaptive headlights: These headlights turn with your steering wheel, lighting up curves and corners as you go. During summer, when you might be driving late into the evening, adaptive headlights ensure you see the road clearly, enhancing safety on winding and unfamiliar routes.

Automatic high beams: No more needing to manually switch your high beams on and off. These systems do it for you, ensuring you have the best possible visibility without blinding other drivers. On long summer drives, especially through rural areas, automatic high beams provide optimal illumination, letting you focus on the road and not on constantly adjusting your lights. 

Summer Driving Safety Tips

Even with all these safety features, following some basic maintenance and driving tips is essential for a safe summer road trip.

Always wear your seat belt: Always ensure you and your passengers are wearing seat belts. It’s not just the law in most states; seat belts are absolutely crucial for keeping you in place in the event of a crash. 

Check tire pressure and tread: Arizona’s extreme summer heat can cause your tire pressure to fluctuate. Check your tires regularly, especially before long trips, and replace tires if the tread is worn out. This helps prevent blowouts, which are more common on hot pavement, and keeps the car easy to handle. 

Maintain fluid levels: Arizona’s high temperatures can lead to faster evaporation of essential car fluids, such as oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Keeping these fluids at proper levels prevents engine overheating, ensures proper brake function, and keeps other critical functions running smoothly. 

Prepare for emergencies: Pack an emergency kit with essentials like a first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, and basic repair tools. Also, include plenty of water, non-perishable snacks, and sun protection (like hats and sunscreen). 

Stay focused and avoid distractions: Arizona’s beautiful but sometimes monotonous desert scenery makes it easy to get distracted or drowsy on long drives. Stay focused on the road, keep your phone out of reach, and always take regular breaks. 

Drive safer this summer when you register for a driver’s education course. Our expert instructors are here to help you master essential skills and build confidence on the road.