Make the “Dog Days of Summer” the SAFEST Days of Summer

Hampton Roads, VA – July 8, 2025: The “Dog Days of Summer Traffic” are upon us. Temperatures are steamy, drivers are impatient, and summertime road construction is in full swing. These are the months filled with vacations and road trips with more people driving, walking, and biking. Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) wants to keep you and your family safe with some hot weather driving safety tips.

BUCKLE UP!

Always wear your seatbelt, and ensure all passengers are properly restrained. As of July 1, 2025, Virginia law (House Bill 2475) requires all vehicle occupants—regardless of age and where they sit—to buckle up. Ensure car seats and booster seats are correctly installed and that any children riding with you are in the right seat for their age and size. Children under 13 years of age should always ride correctly buckled in the back seat of the vehicle. Check out The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) child safety page: Child Safety | NHTSA. Need help choosing the right seat and how to install it correctly? Visit NHTSA’s Car Seat & Booster Seat Safety, Ratings, Guidelines | NHTSA to find a free car seat inspection station near you or to get information on virtual inspection options. NEVER leave a child in a vehicle.

Speeding Catches Up with You! Slow Down!

Speeding accounts for more than one-quarter of all traffic-related fatalities nationally. Did you know? Speeding is a type of aggressive driving behavior. There are many reasons drivers choose to speed, but lateness, traffic and a general disregard for others are the main culprits behind this risky behavior. Speed limits are put in place to protect everyone who uses our roads.

Avoid the 4D’s Dangerous Driving:

These impairments can significantly affect a person’s ability to drive safely and arrive at their destination.

Distracted Driving – including using cell phones, texting, or other electronic devices. Be aware of your surroundings, pay attention to other drivers, and maintain a safe following distance. 

Drunk/Drugged Driving –Always drive sober. Both alcohol and drugs, whether legal or illicit, can cause impairment. It is illegal to drive impaired by any substance in all states – no exceptions. Alcohol and drugs can impair the skills critical for safe and responsible driving such as coordination, judgment, perception, and reaction time.

Drowsy Driving – Be alert and avoid drowsy driving. Take breaks during long trips to prevent fatigue. For longer trips, plan enough time to stop to stretch, get something to eat, return calls, or text messages, and change drivers or rest if you feel drowsy. Always look out for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Passengers also have a part to play in keeping everyone safe on the road – assisting the driver with navigation, adjusting the radio volume, or performing other tasks to minimize distractions for the driver. If you are a passenger in a car with a distracted driver, speak up and encourage them to focus on the road. A front seat passenger should be a good co-pilot by ensuring other passengers are acting responsibly and not creating distractions. 

 When temperatures rise and traffic increases, it is even more important for drivers to keep their cool and ensure passenger safety during the summer by prioritizing seatbelt use, proper child restraint, and avoid distractions. For more information on summer driving safety, go to https://www.drivesafehr.org.