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The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts that 97% of travel this summer will be by car. COVID-19 and concern about minimizing health risks are the major reasons people are taking to the road for their vacations. So the staff at J.P. Perry Insurance wants you to be aware of various risks involved in driving this summer.
- Weather: Summer weather can be just as unpredictable as winter weather, so don't skip checking the forecast. Be sure your vehicle and your driver are prepared for extreme rainstorms, sweltering heat, and everything in between.
- Intoxicated Drivers: Summer can be an especially dangerous time for driving in part because of all the outdoor celebrations and activities, which often involve alcohol. Make a commitment to never drive under the influence, and always have a backup plan if you're going to celebrate. Also, if you notice someone who is driving erratically, call 911 to report them and to potentially curb an accident.
- Extreme Heat: Hot weather can harm children, pets, and other sensitive individuals, so make sure the air conditioning in your vehicle is working before you leave town. Never leave pets or humans in a hot car, even for a few minutes. Wear sunscreen, as you can get a sunburn even while driving.
- Road Construction: Road projects often kick into high gear over the summer, and they can make driving more challenging and tedious. Check ahead for construction projects on your route, and be sure to stay focused while you're navigating them.
- Fatigue: Driving while you're sleepy can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. If you plan to drive for a long stretch, be willing to stop and rest if you're feeling drowsy, or even stay somewhere overnight if necessary.
- Distracted Driving: Smartphones are the biggest culprit of distracted driving. While we all know that it's not a good idea to drive with our phones within reach, many of us do it anyway. Minimize your risk of an accident by using a smartphone mount, and ask your passengers to help if you need to send a text or access navigation.
- Appropriate auto insurance coverage: While the Internet makes it simple to compare auto policies and rates, it is still easy to get confused by all the unfamiliar terms and jargon used in insurance policies. Plus, the decision-making process can be clouded by misconceptions or lack of full acknowledge of coverages. The rate you pay can be affected by many factors, such as what deductible you should consider or do you need collision coverage or not. And you could save money simply by changing the method you pay your premiums. And finally, in the pursuit of low rates, minimum coverage may not be enough and may be costly to you in the future. Auto coverage is complicated and can create many questions. For answers to these and other questions regarding auto insurance coverage, J.P. Perry, an Independent Agent, has the answers.