With temperatures soaring over 100 degrees outside, it’s essential to be prepared for summer conditions when you hit the road. Whether you’re driving your daily commute or taking a longer trip across the state, you’ll want to keep the following summer safety tips in mind.
Be Prepared for Extreme Heat
It’s rare to come across vehicles without functional air conditioning in Arizona. However, if your car suffers a breakdown or you get in an accident, you could find yourself stranded on the roadside in extremely hot conditions without the use of your vehicle’s AC. Be sure that you have drinking water handy so that you can stay hydrated. Battery powered fans and window shades are also helpful to keep with your emergency supplies. Remember, if you are stuck on the side of the road, the safest place to be is inside your car. But when temperatures are high, you’ll want to have some extra supplies to cool you down.
Know How to Handle Dust Storms
Along with heat, Arizona summers can bring massive dust storms, particularly along rural highways. If you see a dust storm ahead, don’t drive into it. Pull over and wait for the storm to pass. If you do get stuck in the storm, gently pull over toward the shoulder—visibility will be exceptionally low, so lower your speed significantly as you navigate away from the roadway. Turn off all vehicle lights, including emergency flashers. Other cars may use your lights as a guide to get off the roadway, but they could strike your vehicle on approach. Stay inside your car until the storm passes, and keep your seatbelt buckled.
Keep an Eye on the Monsoon Forecast
Every Arizona native eagerly awaits the arrival of monsoon storms, but it’s important to avoid going out for a drive when flash flood warnings are active during these downpours. Keep an eye on the daily forecast and never attempt to drive into a flooded roadway. Even just a few inches of water can stall your engine and carry away your vehicle.
If summer conditions have you in need of a tow, you can count on Barnett’s Towing to bring you back to safety anywhere in Southern Arizona. Contact us at 1-800-722-2302 to request a tow truck or visit our website for a closer look at our services.
