We already know how important it is to consider many different factors when making sure we are driving safely. This time of year might just be the most challenging of all - unfortunately, our road tolls on both sides of the ditch are nothing to celebrate.
Here are some of the extra challenges that summertime brings and tips to drive to the conditions:
Temperature and weather changes
Heat can make drivers irritable and sleepy, and being sweaty and uncomfortable can be pretty distracting. Sunstrike can be an issue with later sunsets, and a tiny bit of rain on an extremely dry road surface can mean a very slippery drive.
Tip: Be extra aware of the conditions, always have cool water handy and try to be well-rested. If conditions appear risky, plan your trip so you can pull over and take a break if needed.
Different routines
Are you good at predicting traffic patterns? For instance, you know that when you leave more than 10 minutes later in the morning, you will encounter a worse jam, and you learn to avoid certain areas at 3pm (school pickup) and 5pm (rush hour).
But in December, it feels like everything has changed. Schools and universities are on holiday, the areas and motorway offramps near malls and shops become much busier due to Christmas shoppers, and finding a park near the beach becomes nearly impossible. Smaller towns notice an influx of holidaymakers, and some stretches of road simply aren't used to the volume of traffic that descends in December.
Tip: Predict the unpredictable! Leave slightly earlier, keep something to do in the car if you arrive earlier, and try to minimise road rage. Can you avoid the mall altogether in December? Or do very early morning supermarket shopping rather than a Christmas Eve visit?
More stress and fatigue
December can be expensive, with many family commitments and looming work deadlines. We're staying out later, planning and fitting in more before the holidays. All of this can take its toll.
Tip: Be realistic about what you can manage, and talk to those around you. Know your own triggers and tells. Know when you're nearing the end of your energy, and know what rejuvenates you. Our fatigue module has some more valuable tips.
Celebrations
Alcohol at end-of-year parties, prescription medicine and other substances to manage stress to get through, and even all the heavy food at this time of year can make a difference to our overall usual ways of being. If you usually have a sandwich for lunch and suddenly it's a three-course Christmas lunch plus snacking on the chocolates left around the office - that will impact your body, and ability to stay awake/respond quickly if needed.
Tip: If you're worried about someone, talk to them. If you need help, call. If you want to drink less, buddy up and help each other pace yourselves. Or go all out, but book a taxi home. Take a look at our substances module for more.
As you can see, there are a lot of changes that contribute to making this most wonderful time of year also challenging!
With these simple tips, and a bit of forward planning, December can be an incredible time of year. Enjoy the weather, enjoy the food, and keep safe on the roads out there!
The Fleetcoach Team
