Virginia Summer Driving Safety Tips: Beat the Heat and Stay Crash-Free

Most Virginia drivers worry about winter ice and rainstorms, but summer is actually the most dangerous driving season on Commonwealth roads. AAA calls the stretch from Memorial Day to Labor Day the “100 Deadliest Days,” and Virginia is no exception. Higher temperatures, vacation traffic, road construction, and more teen drivers on the road combine to push crashes and fatalities to their yearly peak.

If you plan to drive anywhere in Virginia this summer, the tips below will keep you, your passengers, and your fellow drivers safer all season long.

Why Summer Driving Is So Risky in Virginia

Several factors converge in June, July, and August to make Virginia roads more dangerous:

• Extreme heat increases the risk of tire blowouts and engine overheating.

• Vacation traffic packs I-64 to Virginia Beach and I-81 through the Shenandoah Valley.

• Construction season means more work zones with doubled fines.

• Teen drivers are out of school and on the road far more often.

• Motorcycles and bicycles share the road in greater numbers.

• Sun glare intensifies at sunrise and sunset commutes.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the months of July and August consistently produce more fatal crashes than any winter month, with teen drivers up to three times more likely to be involved during the summer travel season.

Pre-Trip Vehicle Checks That Save Lives

1. Inspect Your Tires

High pavement temperatures stress already-worn tires. Before a long Virginia road trip, check tread depth with a penny (if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, replace the tire) and inflate tires to the pressure listed on the driver-side door jamb. Underinflated tires are the leading cause of summer blowouts, and pavement temperatures on I-95 can exceed 140°F on a hot July afternoon.

2. Top Off Fluids and Check the Cooling System

Coolant, oil, and windshield washer fluid all evaporate faster in heat. Have your radiator and hoses inspected once a year. An overheated engine on I-95 in stop-and-go traffic is one of the most expensive summer breakdowns, and it almost always strands you in the worst possible place.

3. Test Your Air Conditioning and Battery

Heat is hard on batteries, which often fail in summer rather than winter. A weak A/C can quickly become a heat exhaustion hazard for kids, seniors, and pets.

Smart Behind-the-Wheel Habits

Stay Hydrated and Alert

Dehydration mimics the symptoms of drowsy driving: slower reaction time, poor decision-making, and reduced focus. Keep water within reach and take a break every two hours on long trips.

Use Sunglasses and Manage Glare

Sun glare causes thousands of rear-end crashes nationwide each summer. Keep polarized sunglasses in the car and clean both sides of your windshield to cut down on streaks and haze.

Watch for Motorcycles and Bicyclists

Summer means more riders. Double-check blind spots before lane changes and always give cyclists at least three feet when passing, as required by Virginia’s bicycle passing law.

Never Leave Children or Pets in the Car

The inside of a parked car in Virginia can climb above 130°F within 30 minutes. Heatstroke can occur in as little as 10 minutes for a child. Always look before you lock, even if you think you will only be inside the store for a moment.

Special Hazards on Virginia Highways

Three Virginia routes deserve extra attention in summer:

• I-64 east to Hampton Roads — heavy beach traffic with frequent slowdowns near the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.

• I-81 through the Shenandoah Valley — commercial trucks plus mountain grades and limited shoulders.

• Route 13 on the Eastern Shore — long stretches of two-lane highway with slow-moving farm vehicles.

If you do get a citation while traveling, our 8-hour driver improvement course can help offset points and may even satisfy a court order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Virginia work zone fines really doubled in summer?

Yes. Virginia doubles fines for speeding in any active work zone year-round, but enforcement is heaviest during summer construction season. Learn more here.

What should I do if my tire blows out on a Virginia highway?

Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and let the car slow naturally. Do not brake hard. Once below 30 mph, gently steer onto the shoulder, turn on your hazards, and call for help.

Can a driver improvement course really lower my insurance?

For many Virginia drivers, yes. A DMV-approved course often qualifies you for a multi-year insurance discount. See our breakdown of insurance savings for details.

Drive Smarter This Summer

Whether you are heading to Virginia Beach, the Blue Ridge Mountains, or just commuting through NoVA traffic, a few smart habits can keep your record and your family safe. Want to refresh your defensive driving skills and earn +5 points on your DMV record? Enroll in our Virginia DMV-approved driver improvement course for just $74.99. It is fully online, works on any device, and you can finish on your own schedule. Get started at our secure enrollment page.