From vacations to outdoor concerts, most drivers find themselves on the road more often once summer arrives. While a packed schedule is exciting, more drivetime increases the risk of an accident. Since handling collision repairs or recovering from injuries are the last issues anyone wants to spend their summer solving, follow these three summer safety tips.

3 Summer Driving Safety Tips

1. Watch for Pedestrians

The warm weather offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration, causing an increase in pedestrians during the summer months. Unfortunately, that also means there's a higher chance of contact with walkers, joggers, and bike riders. As such, you must be hyper-vigilant at all times while driving, and pay extra attention to intersections and crosswalks near popular summer spots, like parks, trails, and swimming pools.

2. Check Your Tires

Healthy tires are vital for safe vehicle operation. If a tire blows out on a highway or the interstate where speeds are higher, you could lose control of your vehicle and hit another driver, an embankment, or guardrail. Not only do such situations lead to collision repairs, but they also pose a significant risk of injury to yourself and your passengers.

To avoid a roadside flat or on-the-road blowout, schedule a tire rotation every six months to ensure even wear. You also need to check the tread before every trip to ensure there are at least 2/32nds of an inch. If you're unsure, request a professional inspection at your local auto shop.

3. Avoid Distractions

While it's illegal to text and drive in Ohio, the state doesn't yet prohibit talking on the phone for drivers. However, distracted driving results in over 3,000 deaths per year. To reduce the risk of an accident, avoid using your phone while on the road. When communication is necessary, pull over, or utilize a hands-free software.

Phones aren't the only distractions that lead to collision repairs. Focusing your attention on navigation systems or radios is also dangerous. For that reason, you should set your GPS and in-car audio before you hit the road. Additionally, keep the volume low to help you stay aware of your surroundings, like emergency vehicle sirens.

If an accident does occur, turn to the team at Jerry Ernst Auto Body in Cincinnati, OH, for expert collision repair. Since 1972, the locally-owned auto body shop has offered honest, dependable, and affordable work to drivers across eastern Cincinnati and northern Kentucky. Visit the business online to learn more about their automotive repair services, and request a free written estimate today by calling (513) 871-7200.