PAPERmaking! g! FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PAPER TECHNOLOGY Volume 9, Number 2, 2023
It’s not just the car that can overheat, so it’s important to keep kids, pets and yourself cool in the car in summer. You can do this in the following ways: x Put a sun shield over the back windows – this will help keep the sun off the passengers in the back of the car and will keep some of the heat out x Have iced water in the car – this will help keep all passengers refreshed and hydrated throughout the drive x Use the air conditioning – driving with the A/C on will help keep the internal temperature of the car nice and cool x Try to park in the shade – if you stop along your drive, try to find a shady parking spot to avoid the sun heating up the car x Use a windscreen shade when parked because most of the heat enters the car through the glass Glare Dazzle from the sun can reduce visibility, but you can lessen the effect by keeping your windscreen nice and clean. Replace worn or damaged windscreen wipers to keep your screen clear and read our top tips on how to wash a car. It also pays to keep a clean pair of sunglasses in your car year-round. Driving tired It’s not safe to drive tired. If you do feel tired, stop in a safe place and take a break. It’s best to avoid getting tired in the first place if you can. Try these tips: x Include a 20-minute break in journeys of more than 3 hours x On longer trips, take a break every couple of hours x Take several short stops (of at least 20 minutes) rather than one long one x Don’t drink alcohol or eat a heavy meal before driving Never stop for a nap on the hard shoulder and make sure you check parking restrictions before putting your head down at a motorway service area, as you could get a ticket for overstaying your welcome. Pedestrians and cyclists In warmer weather, you're more likely to encounter cyclists and pedestrians out and about on the roads. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings while driving and The Highway Code has clear rules and guidelines to ensure all road users are protected. Driving at a safe speed and removing any distractions while driving will help you be aware of your surroundings. This also means you’ll be able to react in time should you encounter vulnerable road users. Hay fever If your hay fever is particularly bad, it’s best to get someone else to drive if you can. If you can’t avoid driving: x Make sure any medication you’re taking doesn't cause drowsiness x Close windows and air vents to reduce pollen grains in the car x Clean mats and carpets regularly to get rid of dust x Keep tissues close to hand x Wear sunglasses to block out bright sunlight Slow down and drop back if you feel you're about to sneeze – at 70mph you’ll lose vision for up to 100m Loose chippings Roads repaired with tar and loose chippings are a common sight in the summer. They can cause cracked headlamps and windscreens, and damage paintwork if you’re not careful. Stick to any temporary speed limit that’s been put in place, avoid o vertaking and keep your distance from the car in front.
Article 8 – Summer Driving
Page 3 of 4
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software