This summer is going to be one for the record books, and not just in terms of temperatures. Here’s what to expect this summer.

Summer is in full swing; school is out for the summer, people are working remotely, and RV sales are rising with the temperatures. As activities kick up, here are some things to keep an eye out for and make sure your summer passes by safely.

Increased Traffic
Since March, much of the country was in quarantine due to COVID-19. People were told to shelter-in-place, not to leave their house except for necessities. While Missouri is re-opening and following the phase guidelines set by the state and local governments, there’s an expected increase of traffic on the roads.

Businesses are re-opening and people are returning to work. Traffic is nearly back to where it was pre-lockdown. Adding onto that, though, more people are refraining from flying for fear of COVID-19. They are relying on vehicular transportation, hence an even larger increase in traffic is expected to be seen as families begin their summer vacations via campsites and RVs.

Construction
Road construction—It’s a part of life whether we like it or not and can only be done in the warmer months. With the COVID-19 quarantine, lots of road construction was halted for a couple of weeks. Although some road work projects have been slated, as summer rolls on so will the construction. It’s always good to know what road work is happening around your area, or where you’re heading. Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDot) has an updated list of major road work around the state.

Work zones are also a big hazard when it comes to driving. Make sure you turn your lights in work zones and obey the speed limit. Take your time and keep your cool to avoid any big accidents (or big fines) – and “leave yourself an out” in case the vehicle behind you can’t stop in time. A good rule is to be able to see the back tires of the vehicle in front of yours touching the roadway.  Also, wait to merge—it is actually better for traffic management to use a “zipper” technique with every other vehicle taking turns, rather than to merge too soon and create an even longer back-up line.

Car Crashes are never really “accidents”
Many people use the term “car accident” when in reality there almost never a true “accident” that couldn’t’ be prevented.  Even with torrential downpour or snowy roads. In fact, according to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over the past 15 years, summer months see nearly a 30% increase in crash fatalities compared to the winter months. June, July, and August have been dubbed the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer due to the increase of car fatalities, especially in teen drivers.

Another risk of car crashes, believe it or not, stems from quarantine. People may be rusty at driving due to being in lockdown for months. Even though driving is “just like riding a bike” (aka it comes to you even if you haven’t hopped on the bicycle in years), driving long-distance or navigating inclement weather can be difficult for even the most skilled drivers.

On the bright side, almost all car crashes are preventable! To prevent car crashes, you should be cautious and alert when driving and follow the safety tips below to ensure a safe summer full of road trip fun!

How to Stay Safe on the Roads
Although this summer is going to be different, many of the ways you can stay safe on the road are the same:

  • Always wear your seatbelt
  • Never text and drive (or drive distracted by any means)
  • Be alert to those you’re sharing the road with, whether they’re other vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians.
  • Obey all traffic laws and follow the speed limit
  • Don’t be afraid to go your own pace, especially in inclement weather. Pull over if you don’t feel comfortable and wait for it to pass.
  • Make sure your car is in good shape before hitting the road—from your tires to your oil levels, and even your engine fluids! Don’t ignore the blinking light on your dashboard.
  • If you feel drowsy at all, stop and get some caffeine, and try to take a “power nap” in a safe At least give the caffeine time to work before getting right back on the road.
  • And lastly, be prepared for anything!

If you’re planning a road trip this summer, download our infographic on what to do after a car crash. You never know when you might need it. Stay safe and have a great summer!