Driving During the Warm Season: Stay Cool, Stay Safe
- Unison Medical Assessments
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Ah, beautiful weather outside. The season of sunshine, road trips, iced coffee, and, unfortunately... car accidents.
While you're dreaming of your toes in the sand or that perfect mountain escape, it's easy to forget that summer brings a unique set of driving dangers. As a healthcare facility specializing in motor vehicle accident (MVA) treatment and post-injury assessments, we've seen the sunniest days turn into the most stressful ones - all because of something that could have been avoided.
So before you hit the road, let's make sure your summer memories don’t end with a visit to us (unless you really have to - we'll be here!).
☀️Hot Weather, Hotter Hazards
Summer driving isn't all smooth sailing. The heat can affect both your car and your concentration. Here’s what to watch out for:
Tire Blowouts: High temperatures increase air pressure in your tires. Combine that with worn treads and long highway stretches? Boom. Literally.
Overheating Engines: Your car needs hydration too - check that coolant!
Driver Fatigue & Dehydration: Heat drains your energy fast. Tired drivers make poor decisions, and dehydrated ones don’t think clearly.
Blinding Sun Glare: That golden-hour light looks great on Instagram but not through your windshield.
Heavy Traffic: Vacationers, construction zones, and detours can all add chaos to your commute.
More Pedestrians & Cyclists: Summertime = everyone's outside. Watch for people where you might not expect them.
Simple Tips to Stay Safe (and Out of a Neck Brace)
You don’t have to be a mechanic to keep yourself safe on the road. These tips are easy, effective, and might just save you a trip to our exam room.
🚗 Prep Your Ride:
Check your tires weekly for pressure and tread.
Top off your fluids - coolant, oil, windshield wash, and brake fluid.
Test your air conditioning (not just for comfort - heat exhaustion is real).
Inspect your battery - hot weather shortens its life.
🧊 Prep Yourself:
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate - especially on long drives.
Wear sunglasses and use your sun visor to fight glare.
Take breaks every 2 hours to avoid fatigue. For beginners, we advise taking breaks every hour - get out of the car, do some stretching exercises. All of these can refresh your mind and body and help ensure safety during your trip.
⚠️ Stay Aware:
Plan around peak heat hours, usually mid-afternoon. Yep, air conditioning is key, but your car still heats up, and you're exposed to a lot of exhausting sunlight without fresh air.
Obey all construction signs (we know they’re annoying, but so is an accident).
Never, ever leave kids or pets in the car, even for a “quick minute” - not even with the windows cracked open.
🧰 Build a Simple Summer Car Emergency Kit
Keep these in your trunk or glove box. Just in case:
Bottled water,
Non-perishable snacks,
Flashlight,
Jumper cables,
First-aid kit,
Phone charger (because “my phone died” is never a good excuse in the 21th century).
🚑 If Accidents Happen, We’ve Got You Covered
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, accidents happen. If you’re in a motor vehicle collision - big or small - it’s vital to get checked out, even if you feel “fine.”
Whiplash, concussions, soft tissue injuries, and other post-accident issues don’t always show up right away. That’s where Unison Medical Assessments come in. Our expert team specializes in:
Comprehensive post-accident medical assessments,
Injury documentation for legal or insurance purposes,
Personalized recovery plans to get you back on track.
🌞 Enjoy the Ride
Warm season is meant for enjoying the open road - not sitting in waiting rooms. Take a few minutes to prep, stay alert behind the wheel, and keep your cool (literally and figuratively).
And remember, if you need us - we're here to help you. Have a wonderful drive!
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