Long daylight hours and better driving conditions may lulldrivers into a false sense of safety during summer months­­­­, according to anew survey conducted by Michelin for National Tire Safety Week (May 28June 3).

Two in three (67 percent) drivers report feeling safer drivingduring the summertime, citing better road conditions (83 percent)and nicer weather (81 percent) as reasons.

34.6M drivers will hit the road Memorial Day weekend

Despite drivers' self-confidence, MemorialDay commences the most dangerous season of the year on theroad, with more auto accidents occurring during summer months thanany other time of year, according to National Highway TrafficSafety Administration (NHTSA). More than 34.6 million Americanswill hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, thetraditional launch of the U.S. summer vacation season, according to AAA.

Three-quarters of drivers (74 percent) falselybelieve that summer has fewer accidents than othertimes of the year. Similarly, drivers are three times less likelyto be vigilant, (e.g., alert and focused on immediate surroundings)while driving during summer months than during winter.

Summer driving mistakes

Drivers report other differences in seasonal driving behaviorsthat suggest reduced vigilance during summer months:

• Eight in 10 drivers (81 percent) said they were lesslikely to drive cautiously (e.g., taking extra care withstopping, turning and attention to speed) in the summertime.
• Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) said they were lesslikely to pay close attention to other drivers on the roadin the summer compared to winter months.
• Drivers are nearly three times less likely to check thecondition of their tires in the summer.

Heat is enemy of tires

“Drivers tend to think about their tires in the winter, whenslippery, icy roads require maximum traction. But heat is the enemyof tires,” said Sarah Robinson, driving safety expert atMichelin. “Some of the most severe tire-related episodes are due tounder-inflated tires in summer months.”

All drivers are encouraged to remain vigilant and safe on summerroad trips with these summer driving tips:

• Give your car a checkup: Ahead of summertravel season, conduct a safety check of your vehicle to make sureit is in prime condition. Check oil and fluid levels, windshieldwipers, headlights and battery ahead of your trip.
• Check your tires: Check to ensure yourtires have sufficient tread with a simple penny test, and checkyour tire pressure using the manufacturer's setting found on thedriver's door jamb. Underinflated tires offer less traction, canreduce fuel efficiency, wear out prematurely and, most importantly,suffer unnoticed and irreparable damage that compromises theirperformance and safety. Don't forget to check the air in yourspare, too.
• Practice safe following distance: Alwaysbe aware of the cars immediately surrounding you, especially thosein front. Give yourself enough room to brake or maneuver in anunexpected situation.
• Focus fully on the road ahead: While onthe road, focus fully on driving. Any activities that could divertyour attention should be avoided while at the wheel. This includesthings like using your phone, snacking, or reaching into thebackseat to attend to a child or pet.
• Carry an emergency kit: Carry anappropriate emergency kit in your car that includes items such asjumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, reflectivetriangles, first aid kit, water and non-perishable food items.Program your cell phone in advance with emergency numbers,including that of your roadside assistance provider.
• Take breaks during long trips: Pull overand take breaks every couple of hours, even if you don't feelsleepy. Stretching your legs and taking a quick moment to “reset”can help avoid zoning out behind the wheel and keep passengers fromgetting cabin fever.

Related: Death on U.S. roads reach highest since 2007 amidmore driving