Summer Driving Safety Tips

Summer Driving Safety Tips

summer driving 1Summer is finally here and it’s time to start preparing your vehicles for long summer trips. Ensuring that your vehicle is safe and ready to drive is imperative when keeping you and your loved ones safe. If you haven’t done so already, these are the top five things you should begin checking on your vehicles:

 

1. Tire Tread – make sure theresummer driving 2 is enough tread on your tires to guarantee an efficient grip on the pavement when driving and braking.

2. Suspension – if your car dips or rocks when you go over bumps, or drift around corners (even at low speeds) it may be time to replace your vehicle’s shocks or struts.

3. Alignment – potholes and rough road surfaces from winter weather don’t just make for a bad ride, they can affect the alignment of your wheels. Misaligned wheels can cause a multitude of problems, including uneven tire wear.

4. Under-inflated Tires – make sure your tires have enough air in them to prevent them from going flat.

Turning on the AC in a hot car5. Air conditioning – make sure your air conditioner is working properly to prevent heat exhaustion when taking long trips. This is especially important when traveling with young children and the elderly.

If you have not already, make an appointment with your local Auto Care Facility, so they can properly inspect your vehicle to determine any existing or future problems.

Remember, if you are involved in an automobile accident and need to report a claim, make sure to contact your Insurance Agent as soon as possible so the claims process can begin and you and your car can get back on the road safely.

If you are interested in receiving a quotation for automobile insurance, give C.H. Edwards, Inc. a call at 516-249-5200, and one of our automobile specialists will be happy to help you find coverage while saving you money.

For more information visit our website at www.chedwards.net
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Drive safely this summer!

Written by: Amanda Haase

What All Drivers Should Know About Sharing The Road With School Buses.

What All Drivers Should Know About Sharing The Road With School Buses.

school bus blog

Just because the school year has ended for the summer, doesn’t mean school buses are off the road. Many families utilize school buses for camp and summer school programs. Buses are still all over the roads each morning carrying students to their daily activities. It is important to know how to share the roads and stay safe.

  • When a school bus stops and the red lights are flashing, traffic in both directions must stop. This rule even applies on a divided highway or school parking lot.
  • Students should always cross the street in front of the bus. Pay careful attention for this. Bus drivers will as well.
  • Lights will continue to flash until the student has reached the other side of the road or if staying on the same side, is 15 feet from the bus.

This is not just a courtesy, it’s the law. New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (Section 1174) states that an illegal passing penalty for first time offenders carries a fine of between $250-$400, plus 5 points on your license and even the possibility of jail time. Points on your license can make it difficult to obtain new automobile insurance coverage or may increase the rate on your current policy.
We often drive to and from in a hurry to get to our destination. Make some extra time to practice safety!

Now you know the facts. Let’s share the road responsibly and make this a safe summer driving season.