seasonal driving – Traffic School Online

The holidays will be here before we know it, and for many, that means making a road trip to spend time with family. But before you hit the road, there are some helpful seasonal driving tips you’ll want to review. This way, you can enjoy a safe and stress-free trip—wherever you may be traveling.

Give Your Car a Once-Over

In the few days before your trip, take the time to inspect your car and make sure it’s ready for the road. Make sure that you’re not overdue for an oil change and that your fluids get topped off. You’ll also want to check your tires for excessive wear. If your tires are almost bald, you’ll want to have them replaced before your trip. It’s not worth taking the chance to drive on bald tires.

Also, don’t forget to have your car’s battery tested before you leave. Most auto shops will conduct a free battery test for you with no need for an appointment.

Check the Weather Forecast

Plan based on the weather forecast for the days of your trip. If there is a chance of a snowstorm when you’re supposed to leave, it may be worth leaving a day early or late. That way you can avoid the storm. You don’t want to be stuck driving in dangerous conditions so you can make it to your family function in time. If you don’t plan around the weather you could miss the holiday gathering altogether.

Pack Energizing, Healthy Snacks

If you’ve got a long drive ahead of you, make sure you pack some healthy and energizing snacks. Snacks will help keep you alert and focused while on the road. Don’t rely on energy drinks, sodas, and sugary snacks to keep you awake on the road.

Energy-packed foods you can bring include nuts, protein bars, and caffeinated tea or coffee.

Make Time for Breaks and Stops

You’ll also want to make sure you give yourself plenty of time to stop and take breaks as needed. This is especially important if you’ve got a long drive ahead of you. Every few hours, make sure you allow yourself and your passengers to stretch and use the restroom. You don’t want to finally arrive at your loved one’s house, only to feel exhausted and worn out. As a general rule, you’ll want to stop for a break every 100 miles or every two hours.

Exercise Defensive Driving Skills

The holiday travel season brings increased traffic. You’ll want to take this time to refresh your defensive driving skills. In other words, do your best to protect yourself on the road and foresee potential hazards. In practice, this means never assuming that other drivers will make the right decisions. Check your mirrors many times before merging or changing lanes. Do your best to avoid getting flustered by aggressive drivers. And, keep a fair distance from other drivers, especially in bad road conditions.

These are just a few driving tips to keep in mind as you prepare for your holiday travels. By following these guidelines, you’ll have a safer and more enjoyable trip.

Skidding, sliding, hydroplaning…. Cold and wet weather brings a whole host of scary driving possibilities! In conditions like these, you’ll want your tires to have the best possible grip on the road.

In addition to checking your tire pressure, here are five more tips to help you make sure your tires are ready for fall and winter driving!

1. Check Your Tire Tread Depth

To function safely in the variety of weather conditions your car will encounter, your tire tread must be in good condition. In wet conditions, tread grooves help to channel water out from under your tire and off to the sides, allowing your tire to maintain contact with the road. When these grooves become too shallow, water cannot drain fast enough, and the tire can lose its grip on the road, causing you to hydroplane. Shallow tread can also contribute to skids in dry conditions.

How to Measure Tread Depth

In most states, tires are legally considered “worn out” and must be replaced once the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch.

Depth gauges are available, but you can also use the penny test to check for legal tire tread depth. Place a penny into a tread groove, with Lincoln’s head facing down into the groove. If part of his head is covered by the tread, you’re good to go – but if you can see all of his head, it’s time to replace the tire.

Most tires also have built-in treadwear indicators or “wear bars.” When your tires have worn down to 2/32”, the indicators will look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread. If you can see these, your tires are worn out and need to be replaced.

Legal Tread Depth May Still Be Unsafe

Recent performance tests of stopping distances and road grip conducted by Tire Rack, an independent tire testing group, revealed that the legal minimum requirement is significantly less safe than just 2/32” tread depth.

As this video shows, the test vehicle equipped with tires at 2/32” tread depth was still traveling at 44 MPH at the point where the vehicle with 4/32” tread depth had come to a complete stop.

As a result, the American Automobile Association now recommends using a quarter instead of a penny to check that your tread is at least 4/32 of an inch, the distance from the edge of the quarter to the top of Washington’s head.

Also keep in mind that drivers expecting to encounter snowy conditions will need more tread depth to “bite” into snow-covered roads. Tire Rack recommends replacing tires when they reach 6/32” if you are anticipating snowy weather.

2. Examine Tread Wear Patterns

Check your tread depth at the outer edge of the tire, the center, and the inside edge. If the measurements aren’t the same, your tires are wearing unevenly.

Uneven tire wear can indicate that tires are over or under-inflated, that the wheels are out of alignment, or that suspension components are worn. AAA provides a guide to Tires and Wheels with more information.

3. Determine the Age of Your Tires

Like any rubber, tires break down over time. As they age, tires lose integrity and become more prone to failure. According to the NHTSA, tire aging is a factor in 90 traffic deaths and 3,200 injuries per year.

Some tire companies recommend replacing tires after 6 to 10 years, but exposure to the elements and how well you take care of your tires will determine how long your tires are safe to drive on.

You can look at the information printed on the tire sidewall to find out their age. The last two digits of the seven-digit Tire Identification Number will tell you the year it was manufactured.

Make sure to also check tires on cars that aren’t driven very often, and don’t neglect your spare tire! Tires age whether or not they are driven on regularly, so in these situations, the rubber in your tires could deteriorate to an unsafe level even before your tire tread wears down. You can ask your automotive repair professional to examine the tires at your next service.

4. Be Prepared with Snow Chains

If you’re heading to a snowy area, make sure you have tire chains stored in your trunk! Not only are they an important safety measure, but they’re required by many state departments of transportation in snowy conditions. If you decide to skip them, you’re taking the risk of having to buy chains at steep prices when you reach the point where they’re required, if they’re even available, or turn around and head home.

To purchase snow chains, you’ll need to know the size of your tires, which can be found on the Tire Identification Number. Your owner’s manual will also tell you whether your car can be equipped with chains, and what types are recommended.

It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with installing and removing the chains before you’re forced to do so in poor weather conditions!

5. Understand Professional Maintenance Procedures

Uneven tire wear, unusual vibrations or noises, or a pull to one side, as you drive, can indicate problems that require special skills and tools to fix.

Most drivers will want to leave these tasks to professionals, but understanding the basics will help you make sense of what your mechanic tells you! Refer to your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule, but if you notice a problem, it’s best to get it fixed as soon as you can.

Tire Rotation

Tires on the front and rear of your vehicle perform different steering and braking functions, causing the tires to wear differently. Rotating your tires, or moving them to different wheels, helps to even out tire wear.

Tire Balancing

Wheels and tires often aren’t precisely round, so mechanics balance tires by adding small weights to even out the weight distribution of the wheel and tire around the axle.

Wheel Alignment

Normal wear and tear or an impact with a pothole or curb can cause your vehicle to get “out of alignment.” You might notice uneven wear patterns on your tires, or notice the car pulling to one side. When correcting the wheel alignment, mechanics adjust a variety of suspension components to meet the car manufacturer’s specifications.

Looking for more information about tire safety? Check out Tire Rack’s Tire Tech and Winter Tire Tech articles!

Spring is finally here and with it a whole new set of things to watch out for on the road. From April showers to May flowers, from the bright sun to children on the run, there are a lot of changes the “king of seasons” brings about. Let’s take a look at some of the more prominent changes you may face and some tips for adjusting to them.

Spring Showers

Springtime is a season of warmth and growth, but it’s not without the occasional rainstorm. Be sure to exercise caution during rainy weather. It’s always a good idea to keep your headlights on when driving in the rain, and some states go so far as enforcing such a practice through law. This increases visibility and can help prevent accidents. Also, it’s important to allow yourself ample time to reach your destination. Speeding is bad enough, but doing so in the rain is just plain reckless.

Puddles and Potholes

Also in regards to rain, be wary of puddles of water in or beside the roadway. When you can safely do so, it’s usually best to avoid driving through puddles as the water can damage and degrade different parts of your vehicle. Of course, if there is no safe alternate route, you may need to drive through the puddle. If that is the case, leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles, drive slowly, and use both hands on the steering wheel to avoid losing control.

Heavy rain can also wear down the roads, creating potholes. Just like puddles of water, it’s usually best to try and avoid driving over potholes so long as there is a safe way to do so. If not, exercise the same caution as if it were a puddle: keep away from other vehicles, drive slowly, and maintain control of your vehicle.

With both puddles and potholes, if you come across one that is too big or dangerous to avoid or drive across, your best bet may be to turn around and find an alternate route.

Sun Glare

Winter is in our rear-view mirror and bright, sunny days are ahead. Most of us welcome the sun, but we might not always be the biggest fans of its intense light. Sun glare can temporarily blind drivers and can be a huge risk on the road. Temporary blindness never mixes well with operating motor vehicles.

The best way to avoid those blinding rays is to be prepared. Sunglasses are a convenient way to reduce the intensity of the sun. Some drivers prefer hats or visors to keep their eyes shaded. It’s always a good idea to keep such a hat or sunglasses in your vehicle in case you end up driving against the sun. You can also position the sun visor in your car to block out those pesky rays.

Motorcyclists and Bicyclists

Spring is when most people dust off their bikes and revisit the road. It might take a bit of effort to readjust to sharing the road with so many bicyclists and motorcyclists after a long winter without many, but you must stay alert and attentive for riders on the road. Remember, they have just as much right to be on the road as any other vehicle.

One basic tip for adjusting to such drivers is to keep constant situational awareness on the road. Use all of your mirrors and always look over your shoulder before turning or switching lanes, as well as using your car blinker. If you do get behind a bicyclist on the road and there isn’t a safe way to pass, be patient. It’s better to arrive late to your destination than not arrive at all.

Keep an extra eye out for motorcyclists. Certain states, like California, allow motorcyclists to “lane split,” or ride between lanes of stopped or slower traffic. This is both safe and legal, so long as all drivers do their part and stay alert on the road.

Kids Playing Outside

You’re not only going to see more bike riders on the road during springtime; children will likely be outside more, playing in their yards, on the sidewalk, and possibly even on the street. Be sure to pay extra attention to any children in the area, even if they aren’t on the roadway. If a ball goes bouncing across the street, chances are there will be a child chasing after it. As a driver, it is your responsibility to keep an eye out for such situations and be prepared to stop if needed. Doing so could save a child’s life. Remember to drive safely and slowly in all residential and school areas.

Peak Time for Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions

Spring is also a high-risk time for wildlife-vehicle collisions due to animals migrating and/or mating. Even though Spring isn’t generally as bad as Fall in regards to wildlife-vehicle collisions, it is still considered a peak time due to the increased rates of such accidents. There will usually be signs posted in high-traffic areas that wild animals tend to cross; exercise extreme caution in such areas.

Drive at safe speeds and practice defensive driving techniques. Be especially wary during sunrise and sunset since that’s when larger animals like deer and moose tend to roam around. When driving at night, use your high beams to better illuminate the road, so long as there aren’t vehicles ahead that could be disoriented by the brightness. The extra light can help you spot animals on the road sooner, making it easier and safer for you to properly react. You might also want to use your car horn in multiple short bursts to scare an animal out of the road, but, once again, don’t do this if it could disorient other drivers.

If a collision with an animal seems inevitable, there are a few techniques you could perform to reduce damage to yourself and your vehicle. First, do NOT swerve into another lane of traffic to avoid an animal. This can cause you to hit another vehicle head-on, creating a greater accident than if you hit the animal. Instead, brake firmly and try to graze the animal rather than impacting it directly. Also, let off the brake right as you impact. This will cause your vehicle to lift a bit which might prevent a larger animal from impacting against your windshield.

Refer to this article for a detailed, step-by-step list of how to avoid larger animals on the road.

Allergy Medication

With so many beautiful flowers in bloom, your allergies might be kicking into overtime. Be sure to read the warning labels on any allergy medications you take. Look on the label for any warnings against driving or operating heavy machinery. If your allergy medication causes drowsiness or impairs your vision or hearing, do not drive.

Follow these tips, drive defensively, and enjoy the lovely Spring weather.

Happy driving, everyone!

When you’re learning the rules of the road, you may find that driving in conditions that involve strong or heavy wind and rain can feel dangerous. Thunderstorms and tropical weather in summer can make for a turbulent ride. While no one wants to get stuck in a bad storm, there are many things you can do to keep yourself safe and avoid the dangers.

Driving Safely in Stormy Weather

Any type of severe weather can significantly increase a new driver’s risk of an accident. Here’s what you can do to take care of yourself when driving during a storm:

Eliminate distractions. Avoid talking on your cell phone, texting, or playing music when the weather is bad. You need to give driving conditions your undivided attention.
Stay informed by listening to storm updates on the radio, especially if you’re driving around most of the day. You can also use weather apps like NOAA’s National Weather Service or The Weather Channel for real-time updates.
If there’s a severe storm occurring when you’re ready to go someplace, stay home. Wait for the weather to clear before leaving the house.
Stop if you need to. If you can’t see more than a few yards, or there is hail, it’s not safe to drive. Pull to the side of the road or into a parking lot and wait for the weather to clear.

Navigating High Winds: Tips for Staying Safe

If you’re driving in heavy winds, it’s important to take precautions. Winds can cause accidents and injuries. Strong wind can occur just about anywhere, but it’s more common in wide open spaces, such as stretches of highway. Wind can also be dangerous on highway overpasses and inside tunnels. If you live in a tornado-prone area, stay tuned to local weather reports. You may need to exit the vehicle and take cover if news stations report a tornado touching the ground.

Here are a few tips to cope with heavy winds if you’re behind the wheel:

Anticipate wind gusts and be cautious when you’re driving through an area that is prone to stronger winds or when strong winds are anticipated by the weather reports.
Be aware of larger vehicles. Tractor-trailers and recreational vehicles are more susceptible to high winds. Be on the lookout for drivers who are having trouble staying in their lane.
Keep your hands firmly on the wheel. Wind can cause you to veer right or left, but you can maintain control by using both your hands to steer. Stay alert, and drive cautiously, especially if you’re in a large vehicle or truck.

Driving Safely in Heavy Rains

Heavy rain often reduces visibility for drivers, so prepare to cope with this. At one time or another, all drivers encounter challenging weather. Stay calm and remember what you learned in your driving classes. Always obey the rules of the road.

Cars and trucks are also at increased risk for hydroplaning, which can cause deadly accidents. Hydroplaning occurs when your vehicle travels too fast in wet weather, causing the vehicle’s tires to travel on a thin layer of water instead of gripping the road. Steering and braking become difficult under these conditions, and hydroplaning can even cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Follow these tips to help you stay safe while driving in heavy rain conditions:

One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the beginning of rainfall. During this time, oils from cars and trucks on the roadway cause slick conditions. If it’s just started to rain, wait a few minutes before heading out.
Turn your lights on and keep them on as long as it’s raining. This will help other vehicles see you. In many states, this is the law, even if the sky is bright during the rainfall.
Give other vehicles on the road more space to maneuver by adding a few extra seconds of following time. This will give you more time to react to traffic conditions if you need to.

Additional Tips for New Drivers in Bad Weather

Take the time to understand how adverse weather can affect your driving skills. The first few times you’re out on the road in bad weather, you will likely benefit from having a licensed driver with you. When you’re learning to drive, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So take the time to learn how to drive in various weather conditions, and if you find yourself in a dangerous situation, assess the best course of action. Often, severe storms will pass quickly, so you may want to just sit it out and wait to start your car after the sky has cleared.

Invest in proper maintenance for your vehicle, such as checking tire pressure, brakes, and windshield wipers regularly. This will help you stay prepared for challenging driving conditions and reduce the risk of accidents. For more information on vehicle maintenance, check out resources like Consumer Reports Car Maintenance and Repair Guide.

Looking for more driving tips? We have plenty! Read our blog and learn what skills you need to become an excellent driver for life. You can also visit The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for more resources on safe driving practices.

As a new driver, you might encounter some challenging terrain and weather conditions that you didn’t face during your driving lessons. One common scenario is driving alone in heavy rain. Trusting your instincts and following some essential tips can help you navigate safely.

Here are some tips for new drivers when they are driving in the rain, along with some valuable resources to help you stay safe on the road.

Turn on your headlights, no matter how light the rain is. This not only improves your visibility but also allows others to see you. Check your local laws for regulations on using headlights in rain.
Slow down. Prioritize your safety and that of other drivers and pedestrians by reducing your speed. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination. If someone is waiting for you, they will understand.
Exercise extra caution after a long dry spell. Oil and grease build up on the road, and after heavy rain, surfaces can become very slick. Drive carefully until the residue washes away.
Maintain a safe distance between vehicles. This gives you more time to react to unexpected situations.
When braking, apply gentle pressure and allow yourself more time to stop. This also gives the vehicles behind you more time to react.
Follow the tire tracks of the vehicle in front of you. This can help reduce the amount of water your tires have to displace.
Keep a safe distance from large trucks and buses. Their large tires can splash water onto your windshield, impairing your visibility. However, avoid passing them in the rain, if possible.
Ensure clear visibility through your windows at all times. Use your defrosters to prevent windows from fogging up.
Stay on the road. Avoid veering off onto muddy or unstable surfaces.
Approach puddles with caution. They could be deeper than they appear, so try to go around them if possible.
Never drive through moving water. You can’t accurately judge its depth, and your vehicle may be swept away.
Don’t hesitate to pull over if visibility becomes poor. In some situations, it’s much safer to stop driving until conditions improve.
If you hydroplane, remain calm and avoid overreacting. Instead of hitting the brakes or turning the wheel abruptly, release the gas pedal slowly and steer straight until your car regains traction.
Prepare your car for rainy conditions. Maintain well-functioning windshield wipers, adequate tires, and brakes on your car.

Driving in the rain can be intimidating, especially for new drivers. Give yourself extra time, drive cautiously, and remember that experience will help you become more comfortable over time.

If the rain is particularly heavy and you have the option, consider waiting for the downpour to pass before hitting the road. Assess whether your trip is necessary or if it can be postponed. If you’re already driving and visibility becomes dangerously low, pull over to the side of the road, ensuring that you’re completely off the roadway to avoid collisions with other drivers who may not see you.

If you’re not comfortable driving in the rain, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your parents or another experienced adult may be willing to accompany you during rainy conditions, helping you gain confidence and become a safer driver. You can also enroll in advanced driving courses that cover driving in adverse weather conditions, such as those offered by the Traffic School Online program.

Remember, practice and experience are the keys to becoming a skilled and confident driver in all types of weather. As you gain more experience driving in the rain, you’ll develop the skills needed to navigate safely and responsibly. Stay cautious, be prepared, and don’t be afraid to seek help or additional training when necessary.

With the holiday season upon us, it’s important to alter our driving habits and pay closer attention to the roads. In this article, we offer useful advice to make your driving a little less stressful this holiday season. If you’re a new driver — or a driver still taking driver’s ed — you’ll find these tips especially helpful as you practice your driving habits in real-world environments.

Beware of Increased Pedestrian Traffic

With Christmas break right around the corner, you’re going to see a lot more young children playing in neighborhoods. From snowball fights to a game of catch children love to congregate outside while they’re not in school.

You must take extra precautions while traveling through neighborhoods. This time of year, it’s even more important to watch out for young people playing outside. Poor weather conditions combined with streets getting dark earlier make it hard to see pedestrians clearly. Be aware of children who may jump out into the street to fetch a ball. Be on the lookout for kids who might not be able to tell where their snow-covered front yard ends and where the snow-covered road begins.

Be Aware of Changing Road Conditions

Christmas is synonymous with snow. Even parts of California have reported snowfall in December at one time or another. As the snow falls, you need to alter your driving habits. Cold weather can create slippery road conditions. If you must drive, reduce your speed and don’t follow too close to the vehicle ahead of you. You never know when you’ll need to slam on the brakes.

If you live or are visiting an area where you expect snow, make sure you have tire chains or cables with you. It’s a good idea to practice putting them on your vehicle to ensure you are familiar with how to install them before you’re in a situation that requires them.

Watch Out For Drunk Drivers

It’s sad but true. As more and more people attend holiday parties, more and more people will make the mistake of driving drunk. Make sure that you can identify when someone is too drunk to drive. If you notice a drunk driver on the road, call the police. You could help prevent a serious accident.

Be Aware of What’s Going On Inside Your Car

It’s important for all drivers to be aware of what’s going on inside their vehicles. During the holiday season, it’s common for friends to travel together. Whether a long-distance road trip is in the cards or you’re just traveling to the local ice skating rink down the street, you might find yourself driving friends and family more often.

Keep passenger safety in mind. Ensure that all passengers in your vehicle have their seatbelts fastened. If someone chooses not to wear a seatbelt, refuse to move the car out of the park. Chances are, if they’re threatened with losing their ride, they’ll buckle up pretty quickly. It’s your responsibility as the driver to ensure your passengers are safe.

Don’t Get Distracted With Holiday Lights

There are a lot more distractions around town this time of year as well. As you take note of the beautifully lit trees and brightly decorated homes this holiday season, it’s important to take note of the traffic lights and signals that those holiday lights may drown out.

Pay attention to the road ahead. Be aware of all conditions around you. Check your mirrors every 3-5 seconds and don’t get distracted by those holiday lights. They may look good, but the traffic light ahead is where your eyes should be focused.

Watch for Emergencies

Remember, with more people on the road this holiday season — and with poor road conditions in some parts of the country — you’re likely to see several emergency vehicles out on the road. Help promote safe driving. Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars will make their presence known with flashing lights. Remember the importance of letting emergency vehicles pass. Be sure to pull over to the right as soon as you see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle.

Have Fun Out There!

The holidays are a time for celebration. So fasten your seatbelt, drive safe, and have a great time out there — no matter where you’re headed and whom you’re headed there with.

There’s a lot to keep an eye on as a driver – the road, your mirrors, your speedometer… and, of course, the price of gasoline. This is the first post in a three-part series on what’s driving gas prices, and how you can save at the pump.

According to the latest analysis released by GasBuddy.com, the national average price of gas is finally starting to fall after reaching a peak of $3.657 at the end of April, expected to be the highest price we’ll see this spring. While this year’s peak is about 18 cents per gallon higher than prices from this time last year, it’s much lower than last year’s February peak of $3.74.

Analysts predict that prices will fall another 3 to 10 cents by Memorial Day, and are expecting the lowest summertime gas prices that the nation has seen in several years.

But why do gas prices peak in the spring at all? Is it just because people do more driving in the pleasant summer weather, or are there other reasons for the increase we see each year?

Higher Demand in Spring and Summer

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. does increase by a few percentage points per month, beginning in February. To put this in perspective, a 1% increase in U.S. demand for gasoline is about 87,900 barrels – about the same as what a small refinery could produce in a day.

These increases seem small, but they add up quickly. NACS, the Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing, reports that gasoline demand in August 2013 was 10% – that’s 836 billion barrels – greater than it was in January 2013.

This added stress makes the fuel distribution system vulnerable to supply disruptions caused by geopolitical events or severe weather, which could cause gas prices to rise even further.

Summer Blend Fuel

Demand isn’t the only factor driving higher prices. The fuel you buy in the summer is more expensive to produce, and the process of making the switch limits the supply of gasoline even further.

Summer Fuel is More Expensive

Refineries and retailers are required by law to produce a special blend of gasoline for the summertime. Federal, state, and local laws overlap to create a complex set of requirements for each area, but in general, summer production begins in April and ends in September.

Winter-blend fuel is made to evaporate at lower temperatures so that your car will start more easily and run more smoothly in the cold. To accomplish this, refineries can blend in cheaper materials that evaporate more readily.

But fuel that’s just right for cold temperatures can cause problems in the summer. Evaporating gas contributes to ozone and smog levels and can cause vehicle performance problems like vapor lock.

To avoid this, summer-blend gasoline has to be refined even further. This means that each barrel of oil doesn’t make quite as much summer gasoline as it would make winter gasoline. It also has to contain materials that don’t evaporate as easily – which tend to be more expensive.

The summer blend is the most effective option for warm temperatures – it contains 1.7% more energy than the winter blend – but it’s more expensive for refineries to produce. So while you may get better gas mileage, the prices you see at the pump tend to be higher than during the winter months.

Refinery Maintenance Limits Supply

Refineries have to comply with summer regulations by April 1. Switching from winter to summer blends requires significant work and “downtime” at refineries, so companies often schedule other maintenance work for the same period.

Since refineries can’t operate at full capacity during this maintenance “season,” the supply of fuel decreases temporarily, contributing to the rising price.

Low Inventory at Distribution Terminals

It takes several weeks for summer gasoline to travel through pipelines and reach distribution terminals across the country, so terminals have until May 1 to purge their winter fuel. Since failure to comply with the requirements results in a steep penalty, terminals are more willing to risk not having any inventory than being late to comply.

These low inventories at the terminals also contribute to higher prices, especially as demand continues to increase throughout the season.

What Can We Expect for the Summer?

This year’s deadlines for refineries and distribution terminals to switch from winter to summer blends have now passed, and GasBuddy.com reports that 90% of scheduled refinery maintenance for this spring has been completed successfully.

As refineries and distribution terminals return to normal operations, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts that national gas prices will average $3.61 per gallon from April through September.

Keep in mind that prices can vary quite a bit across the country – while a gallon of regular might cost you $3.47 this week in a state on the Gulf Coast, if you’re on the West Coast you’ll be looking at $4.06 for the same gas.

Curious about what’s going on in your local market? Check out AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report, updated daily.

Up Next…

American oil production is at its highest level in decades, but it’s been more than three years since the national average price fell below $3.00, according to AAA. Why are prices still so high, and can we expect a return to lower prices in the future?

Along with fun and festivity, the holiday season brings unique driving hazards and challenges. Here are some tips to help you stay safe on your holiday travels!

Tie Trees Securely

If you’ve ever driven behind a Christmas tree-toting car, you’ve probably wondered just how well that tree is tied down. Records of how many Christmas trees fall off cars and how many crashes they cause are not kept, but vehicle-related road debris is estimated to cause more than 25,000 crashes per year.

A German automobile club conducted crash tests showing that a Christmas tree tied to the roof of a car traveling at just 31 miles per hour can fly forward with enough force to go through the rear window of another car, or seriously injure a pedestrian if the car stops suddenly. If that doesn’t sound too bad, check out the crash test video.

You don’t want to cause an accident or lose the tree you chose so carefully, so make sure you’re prepared to take it home with you!

If you’re purchasing a tree from a tree lot, they’ll likely have twine available for you to use, and may even tie your tree down for you.
If you’re heading to a remote location, you’ll need to bring sturdy rope or twine and tie down your tree yourself.
Use multiple pieces of twine or rope rather than one long piece, so that if one portion fails, the rest will not be compromised.
If you’ll be traveling a long distance or at high speeds, securing the tree from more than one direction using ratchet straps is your best bet.

Don’t forget a tarp to prevent the tree from scratching up the paint on your roof!

Don’t Drive Drunk… Or Hungover

You probably already know the dangers of drunk driving, but you may not have considered how that hangover the morning after your holiday party could affect your driving abilities.

Two studies released earlier this month found that the effects of heavy drinking on driving continue even after blood alcohol concentration has returned to zero. When hungover, participants in the study had a level of driving impairment similar to someone with a BAC of .05%.

This news is consistent with everything we already know about how distraction and fatigue affect driving ability. Whether or not you were drinking the night before, always assess your mental and physical condition before driving. If you’re not fit to drive, it may be best to postpone your plans or ask someone else to drive.

Also remember to be on alert for erratic drivers who may be impaired, particularly during the early hours of weekend mornings.

Think Twice Before Idling

You may not think anything of starting your car and heading back inside while the windshields defrost and the cabin gets warm. After all, it’s just for a couple of minutes, and it saves you some time. But this habit could put you at risk of a ticket – or worse, getting your car stolen!

“Warm Up” Thefts

The National Crime Prevention Council warns that leaving your car unattended while it warms up is an open invitation for car thieves to hop in and drive away. It’s unclear how common these “warm-up” thefts really are since they aren’t tracked nationally, but we don’t think it’s worth taking the risk!

Anti-Idling Laws

According to the Environmental Defense Foundation, 31 states and dozens of counties and cities in the United States have enacted some kind of anti-idling legislation. Some laws include time limits for idling whether or not the driver is present, often with even shorter limits in school zones. Other laws prohibit leaving a running car unattended for any length of time.

Be sure to check the laws in your state, county, and city – you could actually receive a ticket for this!

Is It Even Necessary?

The Environmental Defense Foundation also reports that modern engines warm twice as quickly while moving rather than idling. Driving also helps the cabin warm up more quickly. Instead of letting your car idle, drive gently and avoid excessive revving for the first few minutes of your journey. Consider scraping the ice off your windows as soon as you are able to, and departing.

Enjoy Holiday Decorations Safely

Many people make it a tradition to tour their local light displays, but it’s important not to let the pretty lights distract you from the task of driving. Whether you’re driving or on foot, make sure you pay attention to the road all around you – there’s a good chance that others on the road won’t be as attentive as they should be!

Drivers should be on alert for pedestrians who are also out enjoying the holiday spirit! Darkness will make it much harder for you to spot them. And before you pull out your smartphone and snap a picture of that light setup you’re admiring, make sure you pull over in a safe, legal place.

If you’ll be walking, grab a flashlight before heading out, or wear reflective clothing to make yourself more visible in the dark. When crossing streets, don’t assume that drivers have seen you and will stop!

If you’ve decided to decorate your car for the holidays, be sure that your chosen adornments are safe and legal. Make sure any wreaths, bows, or reindeer antlers are securely attached and don’t use any electrical decorations during wet weather. If decorations impede the driver’s vision, could be confused with the red and blue lights on an emergency vehicle, or pose any other safety hazard, you could get stuck with a hefty fine, so consider checking with your local police department beforehand.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

If you’re planning a summer driving vacation this year, you’re in good company! According to a survey conducted by TripAdvisor, a whopping 74% of summer travelers will be making their journeys by car.

But summer road trips don’t always go smoothly – AAA expects to come to the rescue of at least 8 million summer travelers who will have their vacation plans derailed by a breakdown. Don’t be one of them! Here are some tips to make sure both you and your car are ready for anything you might encounter on the road.

Plan Your Journey

Mapping out your road trip is about more than just the sightseeing! Breaking up your trip into manageable portions is essential to your ability to drive safely, and planning your stops in advance can help you resist the temptation to keep going when you’re tired.

Don’t underestimate the risks of drowsy driving! According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleeping only 6 to 7 hours per night doubles your crash risk compared to sleeping 8 or more hours, and sleeping less than 5 hours per night multiplies your crash risk by 4 to 5 times.
Drinking extra coffee or taking a nap might make you feel more alert temporarily, but if you’re fatigued, the only cure is a good night’s sleep.
The National Sleep Foundation also recommends taking breaks during your day’s drive, about every 100 miles or 2 hours to keep yourself feeling fresh.
Roadtrippers is a trip planning website and smartphone app that allows you to view a wide variety of attractions in the areas you’ll be driving through, helping you plan your stops and overnight stays.

Stay on Top of Your Maintenance Schedule

Keeping your car well-maintained is essential to avoiding unexpected breakdowns, especially under the stress of hot summer weather.

If your vehicle has been serviced regularly and recently, you’ll be in good shape. If your next service is coming up, or you’re not sure when the vehicle was last serviced, take it to your mechanic for a check-up before you head out. (NHTSA)
Even if you’re up to date on your service schedule, it’s a good idea to periodically check your vehicle’s oil, and get an oil change if your car is due for one. (NHTSA)
Also be sure to check your tire pressure, and the depth and condition of your tire treads. If you’ll need new tires soon, get them before you go (Car Talk)(Consumer Reports)
Hot weather puts additional stress on your car, and may cause your car to overheat on a long drive or in heavy traffic. To avoid this, make sure your coolant level is adequate before you start your journey, and pay attention to your temperature indicator for signs of trouble. (Car Talk)
Making sure your air conditioning is working properly isn’t just a matter of comfort. The belt that powers the air conditioning often also powers the water pump that moves coolant through the engine system and prevents overheating. (Car Talk)
Car Talk provides a detailed list of things you’ll need to check over to get your car ready for summer, and The Weather Channel provides a visual guide to seasonal auto maintenance.

Prepare for Severe Weather

While we’re hoping for sunny summer skies, the weather doesn’t always cooperate! Make sure you know what you might encounter, especially if you’re driving in an unfamiliar region.

Be aware of possible extreme weather events and proper safety procedures. Wunderground offers a Severe Weather Alert Map to help you prepare, and a Road Trip Planner showing the forecast for your route at the estimated time you’ll be passing through each area.
Rain can loosen oil and grime on roads that haven’t seen rain in a while, creating a dangerously slick surface. Remember to reduce your speed in rainy situations to avoid hydroplaning, and make sure your wiper blades are in good shape so you’ll have good visibility in a downpour (The Weather Channel)(NHTSA)
Sudden storms, even those occurring miles away, may also cause flash floods. Do not drive through flooded areas – your car may stall in the water. Instead, seek another route, or get to higher ground and wait for the flooding to subside. If your car does stall, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. (The Weather Channel)

Pack an Emergency Kit

Even with the best car maintenance, a breakdown is still a possibility. Prepare for the unexpected by packing emergency supplies. At the minimum, you should consider bringing:

A fully charged cell phone, plus a car charger
First aid kit
Flashlight
Flares or reflective hazard triangles to warn other motorists of your stopped car
Jumper cables
Nonperishable food, drinking water, and essential medicines
Check out Consumer Reports’ detailed checklist for more useful items to include!

What are your tried and true road trip tips? Share them in the comments below!

◉ Staying Safe During Holiday Travels: 5 Seasonal Driving Tips