Staying out all day fishing or hanging out with friends is common during the warmer weather, especially when you've spent the last few months indoors. However, while driving in Alaska during the summer seems safer than commuting in the winter, not recognizing the season's potential hazards may jeopardize your focus and increase the need for an auto insurance claim. Use the guide below to determine which factors may impact your ability to operate a vehicle.

3 Ways to Stay Safe While Driving in the Summer

1. Get a Ride After Drinking

Alcohol consumption impairs your vision and slows your reaction time; these side effects make it difficult to stay in the lane and increase your risk of an accident. If you're leaving a small get-together, check your ability to focus your eyes and walk a straight line, and call for a ride if you're having difficulty with either. You can also book a ride0share service in advance, so that you don't drive to the gathering in the first place.

2. Stay Well-Rested

Alaska experiences about 17 hours of sunlight during the summer, which may affect your circadian rhythm and make it difficult to recognize when you're feeling tired. Signs to watch out for include yawning, excessive blinking, and staring at nothing in particular.

Although you may want to fight the fatigue to reach your destination, driving tired increases the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel. If you detect the smallest bit of tiredness when getting into the car, take a short nap to energize the brain and hone your focus before the commute.

3. Avoid Animal Jams

Large animal sightings are common in Alaska, as black bears and moose cross the roads regularly to reach resources nearby. While pulling over to watch these creatures is exciting, be careful to maintain your distance since they can be unpredictable. Turn around and find another route or stay inside the vehicle while you wait for the road to clear.

Protect yourself on the road this summer by getting a policy from Associated Insurance Services in Anchorage, AK. These agents have provided drivers with auto insurance options from leading carriers since 1991. Their agents will assess your commuting needs to find a coverage plan that fits your lifestyle and budget. Visit the website for more information about their policies, or call (907) 349-2229 to request a quote on auto insurance.