Tag Archives: Summer

Jul 27 2023

Stay Safe This Summer: Preventing Car Theft

Summer has arrived, and with it comes scorching temperatures that make getting into a hot car an unpleasant experience. Many of us may be tempted to turn on the air conditioning and leave the car running while seeking refuge in the shade, but this seemingly harmless act can have serious consequences. Leaving your car unattended with the engine running is an open invitation for thieves to strike. Shockingly, approximately 30,000 vehicles are stolen each year, and vehicle theft accounts for about 18 percent of the total crime in the city, according to the LAPD.

To safeguard your vehicle and belongings, here are some invaluable tips to prevent car theft:

  1. Never leave your car running and unattended, even for a brief moment when popping into a store.
  2. Ensure all windows are fully rolled up before leaving your car.
  3. Never leave your keys inside the vehicle or in the ignition, as this makes it effortless for thieves to drive away.
  4. Be cautious about leaving any valuables inside the car. If you must, make sure they are well-concealed and not visible from the outside.

By following these precautions, you can enjoy a safer and worry-free summer, protecting your car from potential theft. Stay vigilant and have a great summer!

Jun 24 2022

Too Hot to Handle

With summer officially beginning on June 21st, temperatures are starting to rise. July is usually the hottest month out of the year and this was even more true last year when a new record was set. According to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), July 2021 was the hottest month ever recorded in human history. As temperatures rise so does the risk of heatstroke, especially for vulnerable children and animals left alone in vehicles. Since 1998, 912 children have died from Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke (PVH).

Even if you’re not a parent or a caregiver, you can still do your part in preventing a tragedy. Always make sure to lock your car doors to avoid unattended children going into your vehicle. And if you see a child alone in a car, call 911, then try to get them out immediately. The same goes for dogs and other animal companions. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) states that in 2021, 59 animals died after being left in hot cars, and those are just the ones that were reported.

All hot car deaths can be prevented. Whether we are parents, caretakers, or just bystanders, we can all be alert and aware to make sure the number of hot car deaths for both children and animals no longer rises.

May 26 2022

100 Deadliest Days

For many people, summer unofficially starts Memorial Day and ends on Labor Day. While the start of summer is an exciting time for most, not many people know that the time period from Memorial Day to Labor Day is considered the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, especially for teen drivers. From the year 2010 to 2019, over 7,000 Americans died in teen related driving accidents between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The NSC (National Safety Council) has noted an association between the monthly number of vehicle miles traveled and motor-vehicle fatalities. The NSC states that mileage and motor vehicle death rates increase during the summer months, particularly the months of July and August. So, don’t let your guard down while we are enjoying lighter traffic due to schools being out for summer vacation. Always be alert and aware of other drivers around you… summer vacation doesn’t mean you should take a vacation from good defensive driving habits.

Apr 22 2022

Summertime Dangers

With summer just a few months away we have a few tips to make your summer a safe one.

Summer brings sunnier days and sunnier days make for harsh sun glare. Sun glare can be extremely dangerous while driving. The NHTSA or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that sun glare is the cause of approximately 9,000 accidents per year. Make sure to have a pair of sunglasses to shield your eyes, but be sure to avoid frames with wide side pieces that reduce your ability to see to the side!

With summer also comes heat and we tend to change our choice of footwear to something lighter. While flip-flops are great for the pool or for walking along the beach, they can be a hazard while driving since they can get stuck underneath the brake or the accelerator. Experts even claim that flip-flops can actually double the time that it takes for a driver to brake. Flip-flop accidents are not that rare. In 2013, a study was conducted and it turned out that 7% of drivers who were polled had actually crashed or nearly caused a crash because of the flimsy sandals!

Have a safe summer and another quick summer reminder: Never leave children or animals in the car unattended. The temperatures in a vehicle can reach dangerously high temperatures in just minutes.