Safe2Drive Blog

Summer is road trip season. Whether you’re heading to the beach, visiting family in the suburbs, or taking a cross-country vacation, chances are you’ll spend more time behind the wheel during the warmer months.

Before you load up the car and hit the highway, it’s worth it to take a few minutes to check your tires. Tires are the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the road, and their condition plays a major role in handling, braking, and overall safety. Hot weather can also put additional stress on tires, especially during long drives at highway speeds.

The good news is that a basic tire inspection doesn’t take long. A quick check before your trip can help you spot potential problems before they leave you stranded on the side of the road.

Check Your Tire Pressure

One of the easiest and most important things you can do is check your tire pressure. As temperatures rise, the air inside your tires expands. While a slight increase in pressure during hot weather is normal and typically safe, tires that are significantly overinflated or underinflated can create problems. Underinflated tires generate more heat and wear out faster, while overinflated tires can reduce traction and lead to uneven wear.

Don’t rely on a visual inspection or your vehicle’s internal monitors alone. Instead, use a tire pressure gauge and compare the reading to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside your driver’s door or in your vehicle owner’s manual. Check your tires when they’re cold, like first thing in the morning, for the most accurate reading.

Look at the Tread Depth

Tread helps your tires grip the road and channel water away from the contact surface. As tread wears down, your tires become less effective, especially during summer thunderstorms and wet-road conditions.

One simple way to check tread depth is with the penny test. Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing downward. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is likely too worn and it’s time to consider replacing the tire. You can also look for tread wear indicators, which are raised bars built into the tire grooves. When the tread becomes level with those bars, the tire has reached its wear limit.

Checking tread depth only takes a minute, but it can make a significant difference in your vehicle’s ability to maintain traction.

Inspect Tires for Visible Damage

While you’re checking tread depth, take a close look at the overall condition of each tire.

Look out for:

• Cracks in the sidewall
• Bulges or bubbles
• Cuts or punctures
• Embedded objects, such as nails or screws
• Uneven tread wear

Any of these issues could indicate a tire that needs professional attention before a long trip.

Pay Attention to Tire Rotation

Tires don’t always wear at the same rate. Front tires often experience different wear patterns than rear tires because of steering, braking, and vehicle weight distribution. Regular tire rotations help distribute wear more evenly, which can extend tire life and improve overall performance.

If you can’t remember the last time your tires were rotated, check your maintenance records or consult your owner’s manual. Many manufacturers recommend rotating tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, though recommendations vary by vehicle. A long summer trip can add hundreds or even thousands of miles to your odometer, making it a good time to make sure your tire maintenance is up to date.

Don’t Forget the Spare Tire

Many drivers remember to inspect their four main tires but completely overlook the spare. If your vehicle has a full-size or compact spare tire, check its pressure and condition before your trip. A spare tire won’t be very helpful if it’s flat when you need it.

You should also make sure that your jack, lug wrench, and other tools are present and in working condition. This quick check can provide valuable peace of mind when traveling far from home.

Why Tire Checks Matter Before Summer Travel

Long highway drives create heat, and heat is one of a tire’s biggest challenges. Add heavy luggage, passengers, and extended driving time, and your tires may be working harder than they do during everyday commuting. A pre-trip tire inspection can help you identify worn tread, improper inflation, or damage before those issues become bigger problems. It can also improve fuel efficiency, vehicle handling, and overall driving comfort.

Most importantly, checking your tires helps reduce the risk of a breakdown that could disrupt your vacation plans. So check your tires and have a great summer!

Interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

Summer is road trip season. Whether you’re heading to the beach, visiting family in the suburbs, or taking a cross-country vacation, chances are you’ll spend more time behind the wheel during the warmer months.

Summer tends to bring a welcome change of pace. Students are out of school, families have some more flexibility in their schedules, and many people find themselves with a little extra free time. While summer is often associated with vacations and road trips, it’s also one of the best times to complete an online driving course.

Whether you’re a teen working toward a driver’s license, a parent helping your new driver get started, an adult completing a required course, or just someone who likes to learn, summer can make the process easier and less stressful. With fewer scheduling conflicts and more opportunities to learn at your own pace, it’s a great time to check an important task off your list. Here’s why.

Take Advantage of More Flexibility in Your Schedule

One of the biggest advantages of taking an online driving course during the summer is the flexibility. During the school year, students often juggle classes, homework, sports, clubs, part-time jobs, and other activities. Adults face their own scheduling challenges, balancing work, family responsibilities, and personal commitments.

Summer can provide a little breathing room. Without the demands of a full school schedule, many students find it easier to take the time to complete a driver education course. Adults may also appreciate being able to work on a course during evenings, weekends, or whenever it fits into their schedule.

Because online courses are available on demand, there’s no need to rearrange your day to attend a class at a specific time. You can complete lessons when it’s convenient for you. Even on a trip!

Complete Requirements Before Things Get Busy

Summer has a way of passing quickly. Before you know it, a new school year begins, work schedules pick up, and calendars start filling with commitments again. Completing an online driving course during the summer can help you avoid the rush that often comes later in the year. Instead of trying to squeeze lessons into an already busy schedule, you can make steady progress while you have more flexibility.

Prepare for More Time on the Road

Summer is one of the busiest driving seasons of the year. Families travel for vacations, teens spend more time with friends, and many people log extra miles on the road. An online driving course can help prepare drivers for these additional driving opportunities by reinforcing important safety concepts and building knowledge before getting behind the wheel.

For new drivers, that preparation can help create a stronger foundation before they begin driving independently. For experienced drivers, it can serve as a useful reminder of safe driving practices that may have become easy to overlook over time. The more prepared you are before a busy driving season begins, the more confident you’ll likely feel on the road.

Refresh Important Driving Habits

Even experienced drivers can benefit from reviewing the rules of the road!

Many driving courses cover topics such as defensive driving, hazard recognition, speed management, distracted driving, and sharing the road safely with other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These are concepts that can become familiar enough to take for granted, but they remain important every time you drive.

Summer tends to bring heavier traffic in certain areas, increased construction, and more people walking, biking, or enjoying outdoor activities. Reviewing safe driving practices can help drivers stay alert and prepared for changing road conditions. A refresher course can be especially valuable before a long road trip or a season filled with frequent driving.

Learn at Your Own Pace

Traditional classroom schedules don’t work for everyone. One of the biggest benefits of an online driving course is the ability to move through the material at a pace that works for you. Some people prefer to complete a lesson in a single sitting, while others like to break the course into smaller sections over several days or weeks.

Summer provides the flexibility to choose the approach that fits your learning style and schedule. If you’re heading out on vacation, working a summer job, or managing other responsibilities, you can simply pick up where you left off when you’re ready to continue.

Make the Most of Summer Downtime

Not every summer day is packed with activities. There are quiet afternoons, rainy weekends, or evenings at home when you have a little extra time available.

An online driving course can be a productive way to use that downtime. Instead of scrambling to complete requirements later, you can make progress while your schedule is more manageable. Small amounts of time add up quickly. Completing a lesson here and there throughout the summer can help you reach your goal without feeling overwhelmed.

Get a Head Start for the Months Ahead

Summer is often viewed as a break from normal routines, but it can also be a great opportunity to get ahead on important goals.

Taking an online driving course during the summer allows you to take advantage of a more flexible schedule, prepare for increased driving, refresh important safety knowledge, and complete requirements before life gets busier. Whether you’re working toward a driver’s license, required to take a course, or simply looking to strengthen your driving knowledge, summer is the perfect time to get started.

Interested in learning more about traffic safety this summer?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

Summer tends to bring a welcome change of pace. Students are out of school, families have some more flexibility in their schedules, and many people find themselves with a little extra free time. While summer is often associated with vacations and road trips, it’s also one of the best times to complete an online driving course.

Each June, Ride to Work Day encourages motorcyclists to use their bikes for commuting and everyday transportation. The event helps raise awareness of the many motorcycles that share our roads and serves as a good reminder for all drivers to pay extra attention to riders during the summer months.

Motorcycles have the same rights and responsibilities as any other vehicle on the road, but they can be more difficult to see than passenger cars and trucks. Understanding the challenges riders face can help drivers make safer decisions and reduce the risk of a collision.

Motorcycles Are Easier to Miss

One reason motorcycle collisions happen is because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles. Drivers expect to see cars, SUVs, and trucks when scanning traffic. A motorcycle can be harder to notice, especially when it’s partially blocked by another vehicle, approaching from a distance, or traveling in a driver’s blind spot.

This is why safety experts often encourage drivers to "look twice" before turning, changing lanes, or entering traffic. Taking an extra moment to check for motorcycles can make a significant difference.

Pay Extra Attention at Intersections

Intersections are one of the most common locations for collisions involving motorcycles. A driver may see an approaching motorcycle but incorrectly judge its speed or distance because of its smaller size. In some cases, drivers simply fail to notice the motorcycle at all.

Before making a turn or proceeding through an intersection, take a careful look for motorcycles in every direction. Don’t assume that a quick glance is enough. Giving yourself a few extra seconds to evaluate traffic can help prevent dangerous collisions.

Be Careful When Making Left Turns

One of the most important times to watch for motorcycles is when you’re preparing to make a left turn. Because motorcycles are smaller than most other vehicles, they can be harder to spot and their speed can be more difficult to judge. A motorcycle that appears to be far away may actually be much closer than you think.

Before turning left, take an extra moment to scan for motorcycles and make sure you have enough time and space to complete the turn safely. If there’s any uncertainty, it’s best to wait until the motorcycle has passed before proceeding. A few seconds of patience is always preferable to taking a chance.

Check Blind Spots Before Changing Lanes

Many drivers rely heavily on mirrors and blind spot monitors when changing lanes. While these technologies can be helpful, they shouldn’t replace a visual check of your surroundings. A motorcycle can fit into areas that may not be visible in your mirrors, and blind spot monitoring systems may not detect every motorcycle in every situation.

Signal your intentions early, check your mirrors, and perform a final over-the-shoulder check before changing lanes. This simple habit can help you spot a motorcycle that might otherwise go unnoticed and gives you one last opportunity to confirm the lane is clear before moving over.

Leave Plenty of Extra Following Distance

Following too closely is dangerous behind any vehicle, but it can be particularly risky when following a motorcycle. Motorcycles can slow down quickly by downshifting or reducing throttle, sometimes without the same visual cues drivers know to expect from a passenger vehicle. Riders may also need to react to road hazards like potholes, gravel, or debris that larger vehicles can more easily drive over.

Keeping an extra-long following distance gives you more time to react if the rider slows down or changes position within the lane.

Respect the Entire Lane

Some drivers mistakenly believe motorcycles don’t need a full lane because of their smaller size. In reality, riders are entitled to use the entire lane just like any other vehicle. Motorcyclists often adjust their lane position to improve visibility, avoid road hazards, or create space from surrounding traffic.

Drivers should never attempt to share a lane with a motorcycle or crowd a rider within their lane. Giving motorcycles plenty of space helps everyone travel more safely.

Sharing the Road Starts with Awareness

As summer brings more motorcycles onto the road, drivers have an important role to play in keeping everyone safe. Taking a few extra moments to check blind spots, watch for motorcycles at intersections, leave adequate following distance, and exercise patience during turns can help prevent collisions.

Ride to Work Day is a helpful reminder that motorcycles are a regular part of traffic, not just occasional vehicles on weekend rides. The more aware drivers are of motorcycles and the challenges riders face, the safer the road becomes for everyone.

Interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

Each June, Ride to Work Day encourages motorcyclists to use their bikes for commuting and everyday transportation. The event helps raise awareness of the many motorcycles that share our roads and serves as a good reminder for all drivers to pay extra attention to riders during the summer months.

Summer is an exciting time for many teens. School’s out, schedules are more flexible, and there are more opportunities to spend time with friends, travel, and work summer jobs. It also happens to be the time of year known as the 100 Deadliest Days, which is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal crashes involving teen drivers increase significantly.

According to AAA, more than 30% of fatalities involving teen drivers occur during the summer months. That makes the weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day one of the most dangerous times of year for young drivers.

The good news is that many of the factors that contribute to summer crashes are preventable. Parents and teens who understand the risks can take steps to reinforce safe driving habits before summer gets into full swing.

Teens Drive More During the Summer

One of the biggest reasons crash numbers rise during the summer months is simple: teens are driving more often. Without school schedules dictating much of their day, teens often spend more time traveling to work, social events, sports practices, vacations, and other activities. Many of these trips are made without a parent in the vehicle.

New drivers gain valuable experience every time they drive, but experience takes time to develop. Teen drivers are still learning how to recognize hazards, manage distractions, and react to unexpected situations. More time on the road creates more opportunities to practice those skills, but it also increases the likelihood of mistakes. That’s why summer can be an especially important time for parents to stay involved in their teen’s driving experience, even after a license has been earned.

Passengers Increase Risk

For many teens, one of the most exciting parts of driving is being able to give friends a ride. Unfortunately, passengers can also create distractions that make driving more challenging. Teen passengers may encourage conversation, play music, joke around, or otherwise draw a driver’s attention away from the road. Even when everyone in the vehicle is behaving appropriately, the driver’s attention is divided among more people and activities.

Many states limit the number of passengers a newly licensed teen may carry during the first few months of independent driving. These restrictions are designed to help new drivers gain experience gradually while reducing distractions. Even if passenger restrictions no longer apply for your teen, parents may want to establish their own expectations regarding how many friends can ride with a teen driver during the summer.

Phones Create Dangerous Distractions

Most teens understand that texting while driving is dangerous. The challenge is resisting the temptation to check notifications, answer messages, or respond to calls. A distraction only lasts a few seconds, but a lot can happen during that time. Traffic can slow unexpectedly, a pedestrian can enter a crosswalk, or another driver can make a sudden maneuver.

Parents can encourage teens to silence notifications, activate a driving mode on their phone, or place the device out of reach before beginning a trip. Just as importantly, adults should model the same behavior when they drive.

Speeding Is a Common Factor

Speeding continues to be a factor in many serious collisions involving teen drivers. As teens become more comfortable behind the wheel, it can be easy to underestimate the risks associated with driving even slightly above the speed limit. Familiar roads, light traffic, and busy schedules can all make speeding seem harmless.

The reality is that higher speeds reduce the amount of time available to react when something goes wrong. They also increase the force of impact during a collision, making serious injuries more likely.

Parents can help by reinforcing the idea that safe driving isn’t about getting somewhere quickly. It’s about arriving safely. Consistent conversations about speed and responsible decision-making can have a lasting impact. There are even apps you can use that will notify you when your teen is speeding, like Life360.

Night Driving Is More Challenging

Summer often means later curfews, evening activities, and more opportunities to drive after dark. Night driving presents challenges that many new drivers haven’t fully mastered. Visibility is reduced, hazards can be harder to identify, and fatigue may affect reaction time and judgment. Fewer cars on the road at night often results in more drivers speeding.

A teen who drives confidently during the day may find nighttime driving to be a completely different experience. Recognizing road signs, spotting pedestrians, and judging distances all become more difficult when visibility is limited.

Parents can help teens build confidence by practicing nighttime driving together and gradually introducing more complex situations. Additional experience can help teens learn how to manage the unique challenges that come with driving after sunset.

Parents Still Make a Difference

Some parents assume that driver education ends when a teen receives a license. In reality, the licensing process is just the beginning. Research consistently shows that parental involvement remains one of the strongest influences on teen driving behavior. Teens whose parents set clear expectations and regularly discuss safe driving habits are more likely to make safer choices behind the wheel.

Those conversations don’t have to be lengthy lectures. A quick reminder about seat belts, speed limits, phone use, or passenger rules before handing over the keys can reinforce important habits. Parents can also continue riding with their teen periodically, offering guidance and helping them gain experience in new driving situations.

Safe Habits Reduce Risk

The 100 Deadliest Days serve as an important reminder that summer brings unique challenges for teen drivers. More driving, more passengers, more nighttime travel, and more opportunities for distraction can all increase risk.

As summer approaches, now is a great time for families to revisit the basics. A few conversations and a little extra practice can help teens build confidence, develop good habits, and stay safe wherever the road takes them.

Interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

Summer is an exciting time for many teens. School’s out, schedules are more flexible, and there are more opportunities to spend time with friends, travel, and work summer jobs. It also happens to be the time of year known as the 100 Deadliest Days, which is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal crashes involving teen drivers increase significantly.