Driving Tips for a Safe Summer

It’s only a month before school is out, drivers are rushing to get to their weekend getaways and road construction is in full-force.  Summer driving is here!  The dangers of driving in summer are just as hazardous, but less obvious, than the dangers of driving in winter.  In fact, the Department of Transportation reports that summer is the most dangerous driving season of them all.

Before you hit the road this summer, take a look at our tips for safe driving:

Be Cautious – When warm weather arrives, you can expect to see an increase in motorcycles and bicycles on the road.  The most important thing to do is to pay attention to cyclists and give them plenty of space.  You should also be cautious of stop-and-go traffic in construction zones and rush hour.  If possible, anticipate heavy traffic and choose a different route with less traffic.

Manage the Heat – No matter the season, your car should always be packed with emergency essentials. When disaster strikes, travel gear and supplies can make a huge difference in your safety. Good emergency supplies to have in your car include a flashlight with extra batteries, booster cables, first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food.  It’s always a good idea to keep sunglasses and water at within arm’s reach.

Summer Storms – Summer storms are dangerous and deadly.  If possible, avoid driving in strong winds, heavy rain, hail and lightning.  If you must drive during a storm, be cautious and drive slower.  Rain can loosen grease, creating a slippery surface for wheels. In addition, rain can be particularly dangerous when water pools on top of pavement and causes hydroplaning.

Proper Trailer Techniques – Are you hauling a boat or recreational vehicle for some summer fun?  Driving a vehicle with a trailer hitched behind you is very different than driving a car alone.  Be sure to follow the proper rules and regulations enforced by the Department of Transportation.  You can find a complete list of Iowa DOT trailer regulations here: http://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/driverslicense/dlmanual/section7.pdf

If you are in need of a new trailer or service to your old trailer, stop into Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales!  We can help get your trailer prepared for a busy summer season.  Any questions?  Give us a call at 641-985-2536.

Prepare For The Road With DOT Trailer Regulations

Before you hit the road with your trailer in tow, there are a number of regulations you must follow for your trailer to be road ready.  Driving a vehicle with a trailer hitched behind you is a very different experience than driving a car alone.  The extra weight and added length makes controlling and handling much more difficult.  For this reason, driving with a trailer requires extra attention to detail, a heightened sense of safety and fully functioning gear.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) and Motor Vehicle Enforcement (MVE) have regulations in place for the safety of you and those around you.  Before you start driving, make sure you are prepared with the right equipment and vehicle adjustments. 

Hitch:  A trailer hitch attaches directly to a tow vehicle providing the connection between the vehicle and the trailer.  As a key component of towing, the hitch should be tightly fastened to the rear axle of the towing vehicle.  A properly loaded trailer should have about 15% of the total trailer weight on the hitch.  If you have too much weight on the hitch, the trailer will be more likely to sway back and forth while you are pulling it.

Trailer Control:  Whenever possible, you should use the smallest and lightest trailer to carry your load.  The heavier your trailer, the more time you will need to effectively stop.  It’s also important to note that the faster you go, the less control you will have over your trailer.

Equipment:  When towing another vehicle, there is required equipment needed to ensure safety.  If your trailer and load weighs more than 3,000 pounds, it must have brakes on all axles.  Safety chains must also be used to connect the trailer to the towing vehicle.  In addition, there must be efficient lighting.  Clearance lights must be mounted on the widest part of the trailer, reflectors should be in the front, rear lights must be red, and a white light must illuminate the license plate.

Whether you need a trailer to haul your cargo or parts to fix your malfunctioning trailer, Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales offers a wide range of items from name brands including PJ Trailers, American Hauler, RR RoadRunner Manufacturing and Zimmerman Trailers.  For all of your trailer needs, contact the professionals at Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales by calling 641-985-2536.