Watch Out For These 4 Major Summer Driving Hazards

Now that summer has finally arrived, people are getting out on the road more than ever. From day trips to the beach to full-on family vacations, Americans are hopping in their cars and enjoying the warm temperatures while they can. Though most people associate car accidents with the harsh winter weather, the fact of the matter is that they can happen at any time -- including the height of summer. To avoid the dangers of a crash and the costs of collision repair services, do your best to be aware of the following four summer driving hazards.

• Blowouts: The summer heat can do a number on your tires. Hot weather causes the air within your tires to expand, which can easily lead to a blowout in well-worn wheels. Since having your tire burst while driving can be a serious danger to yourself and others on the road, it's best to check your tires on a regular basis during the summer months -- especially during heat waves.


• Construction: Summer season is also construction season. In addition to increased traffic (everybody's headed to their own vacation, remember?), you'll have to deal with work zones, lane closes, and unexpected changes to your daily route. Many people tend to get impatient and frustrated in such situations, which only exacerbates an already dangerous problem. Do your best to keep a cool head and a steady pace during construction detours; either avoid known work zones or anticipate the delay and give yourself extra time.


• More teens on the road: New drivers flood the streets in the form of teenagers during the summer months. School is out, so more are able to go where they want, when they want, and others have just completed their driver's test and obtained their license; the unavoidable lack of experience can be protected against simply by being alert and paying attention to the road and drivers around.

On average, there's a read end collision on U.S. roads every eight seconds. Though there are many auto body shops available to provide collision repairs in the event of an accident, it's always better to avoid the risk of a crash in the first place. If you're able to be conscious of and watch out for the above summer hazards, you'll be able to spend the season on the beach rather than stranded at home without a ride.