“100 Deadliest Days of Summer” — Staying Safe with C.R. England Trucking
Every year, the stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” — a period when fatal car crashes spike, particularly among teen drivers. With school out, road trips in full swing, and traffic volumes at a high, it’s more important than ever to focus on driving safe. As experts of the open road being in business for over 100 years, here’s how you can stay safe during this critical season.
Why “100 Deadliest Days” is So Dangerous
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the number of fatal crashes involving teen drivers rises significantly during the months of June, July, August, and September. Several factors contribute to this increase:
- More inexperienced drivers on the road due to school breaks.
- Higher traffic volumes with families traveling and vacationing.
- Riskier behaviors, including speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence.
But these dangers aren’t limited to teens. Drivers of all ages and skills are at greater risk during these months. Whether you hold a CDL or not, you’ll likely share the road with a semi-truck during the Summer, and year-round. How can you be as safe as possible?
Tips for Safe Summer Driving
At C.R. England, we try to keep all our loads “Safe & On-Time Every Time.” That means taking all necessary steps to get freight from one place to another when and how it needs to be there. We adhere to 15 Key Safety Principles that help keep us and our cargo safe on the road. Here are a few other suggestions:
1. Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes. Put your phone away, avoid multitasking, and keep your eyes and attention on the road.
2. Buckle Up — Every Time
Wearing your seat belt is the simplest and most effective way to prevent serious injury or death in a crash. Make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up, regardless of where they’re sitting. Just like securing freight in a trailer, make sure you’re secure in the cab!
3. Obey Speed Limits
Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of crashes. Stick to posted speed limits, especially in residential areas and construction zones, which are common in summer.
4. Don’t Drive Under the Influence
Never drive if you’ve been drinking alcohol or using drugs, including some prescription medications that cause drowsiness.
5. Practice Defensive Driving
Always assume other drivers might make mistakes. Keep a safe following distance, be prepared for sudden stops, and avoid aggressive behaviors like tailgating or road rage.
6. Keep Your Vehicle Road-Ready
Heat can take a toll on your vehicle. Before hitting the road, check your tires, brakes, oil, coolant, and battery. A breakdown on a hot day can be frustrating and sometimes dangerous.
7. Educate Teen Drivers
If you’re a parent, take time to talk with your teen about safe driving. Set rules about night driving, passenger limits, and phone use. Consider enrolling them in a defensive driving course for extra skills and confidence.
Staying Safe — C.R. England Style
The “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” are a reminder that driving is a responsibility, not just a convenience. By staying alert, following traffic laws, and making smart choices behind the wheel, you can help protect yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.
Maneuvering the road safely is as much an art as it is a science. Accidents happen, but there are things we can all do to mitigate those risks. At C.R. England, we’re still going to be Safe & On-Time, Every Time. For all your multi-modal freight needs (Dedicated, OTR, Intermodal, Cross-Border, etc.) you can count on us to deliver excellence year-round.