Sunset Plaza Insurance

Summer is right around the corner and people are coming out of “beach hibernation.” For the last month and a half or so we have been experiencing early June gloom. This last weekend we had the first weekend where we will have beach appropriate weather. The freeways, roadways and parking lots will be swarmed with stop and go traffic. There will be more people out on motorcycles, bicycles, skateboards and any other modes of transportation and not to mention youth coming out of school and being out on the streets, in parks and recreation centers.

The driving risks increase and not to mention the summer heat having a negative effect on your vehicle. These things would not stop a summer drive to meet your friends or even with your friends but keep your eyes on the road and away from talking and texting, and using social media while driving. Keep yourself, your friends and those around you safe and sound.

Summertime Hazards

Just like any season in the year summer has its own set hazards. While in other parts of the country one may experience specific too each hazards; in SoCal it is more like two seasons, one cooler with some slight rain, and one with hot temperatures, sometimes even record breaking.

Watch out for these hazards:

Pedestrians: There is generally more outside-activity during the summer and it is no wonder why pedestrians are on top of the list, after all that is ultimately who we are trying to prevent from injury, and not to mention pets and other animals. Schools are closing out for the summer. Beaches are filling up with pedestrians, bicyclists, rollerbladers, kids, dogs, you name it! Parks are similar and neighborhoods may also have an increase in kids and young adults. Pedestrians increase and hence do the risks. With cell phones and social media occupying people’s attention as it does these days, it is your responsibility as a driver to keep yourself and others safe by being alert and aware of others, and taking into account the in-alertness of other pedestrians and drivers.

Car Batteries: Summer time heat is notorious for affecting car batteries. You may notice that your car is having a hard time starting as if the battery is out of juice. This is due to hot weather ruining the battery of your car. You may need to have it looked at, and before you get a new battery sold check to see if it can be serviced. The gunk around the battery may need to be cleaned off; it may need more distilled water etc. Checking it first may save you a hundred or 2 bucks.
Bikes: With the weather warming up more bicyclists and motorcycles are out on the road enjoying the summer weather. This adds risk to driving on the road and requires your full attention to the road and awareness of two-wheelers around you, especially when changing lanes.
Heat: Summer heat can be dangerous when it involves parking. Pets and children left in parked vehicles when it is hot can pose serious health risks if not death. Rolling down the windows may not be sufficient to keep your pet or child cool enough. In many states it is illegal to leave your child unattended in a car here is the law for California: http://www.kidsandcars.org/userfiles/state-laws/california-state-law.pdf.
A helpful tip for the summer is to park your car under a tree or some other shady area to help reduce the heat of the car for when you and your pet or other family member(s) return to it.

Another tip, when coming back to your car on a hot day is to open all your windows and blast the A/C to push out the hot air that is trapped inside and cool down the upholstery in the car. This can be a much faster way to cool your car then to let the car’s A/C cool down the hot air trapped inside with the windows up.

Due to the lack of bad weather conditions California can be a great place to drive, but of course the downside is the traffic which may outweigh any weather advantage you may get in the cities.

No matter the season there are always risks and you should always keep yourself and your vehicle insured. The tips above can make it easier to get through this hot summer. Speak to one of our agents for a quote for yourself and family to see what kind of pricing you can get. With July 4^th around the corner there are special promotions which could apply to you. Ask our agent for the July 4^th promotion.

Have a great summer and be safe!