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Summer Driving Hazards on Long Island: What New Drivers Need to Know

  • Kumer Dey
  • Aug 1
  • 3 min read
Cars drive on a busy highway towards the ocean with a brown sign reading "Jones Beach." Green trees line the road under a clear blue sky.

Summer on Long Island is full of promise—road trips, beach days, and that first taste of driving freedom for many new drivers. But the warmer months also bring a unique set of challenges behind the wheel, especially for those still gaining experience. Whether you're navigating local traffic in Hicksville or heading east toward the South Shore beaches, it pays to know what to expect—and how to stay safe.

1. Heat-Related Vehicle Issues

Long Island summers can push your vehicle to the limit. High temperatures increase the risk of overheated engines, tire blowouts, and battery failure—issues new drivers might not catch until it's too late.

Safety tips:

  • Check your coolant and oil levels regularly.

  • Inspect tire pressure—hot pavement can affect inflation and cause uneven wear.

  • Don’t ignore dashboard warning lights.

  • Make sure your air conditioning system is working properly to avoid drowsiness or discomfort.

A quick pre-drive check can prevent unexpected breakdowns—whether you're on the Long Island Expressway (I-495) or the Wantagh Parkway. If you're unsure how to perform basic checks, ask a parent, instructor, or mechanic to walk you through the process.

2. Tourist and Beach Traffic on Sunrise Highway & Montauk Highway

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Long Island’s main arteries are jammed with beach traffic—especially on weekends. Sunrise Highway (Route 27), Montauk Highway (Route 27A), Ocean Parkway, and the Meadowbrook and Robert Moses Parkways all become crowded as drivers head toward the Hamptons, Fire Island, and Jones Beach.

Roads to watch:

  • Sunrise Highway (Route 27): A major eastbound route to the Hamptons and Fire Island ferries.

  • Montauk Highway (Route 27A): Heavily traveled through smaller coastal towns.

  • Ocean Parkway: Scenic but narrow, with beachgoers and cyclists throughout.

  • Meadowbrook Parkway: Primary access to Jones Beach; expect congestion near exits.

  • Robert Moses Causeway: Busy during weekends with access to Robert Moses State Park.

Driving strategies:

  • Leave early in the morning to avoid peak congestion.

  • Signal clearly and early when changing lanes or merging.

  • Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and stopped vehicles near beach entrances.

  • Stay patient—many drivers are unfamiliar with local roads.

3. Distracted Summer Drivers

Windows down, music up, and phones in hand—distractions are everywhere in summer. Teens driving with friends, vacationers unfamiliar with local signage, and people fumbling with GPS directions all increase the likelihood of accidents.

Smart driving reminders:

  • Use Do Not Disturb or Driving Focus mode on your phone.

  • Keep music at a moderate volume so you can hear your surroundings.

  • Stay alert for unpredictable moves by other drivers.

  • Avoid multitasking—eating, adjusting navigation, or reaching for items can wait.

Driving safely isn't just about reacting—it's about anticipating. Defensive driving means expecting the unexpected and keeping your space cushion.

4. Navigating Holiday Weekends

Holiday weekends on Long Island mean heavy traffic, more aggressive drivers, and longer response times from emergency services. The Fourth of July, Labor Day, and even average Fridays can feel like gridlock.

Tips for safer holiday travel:

  • Avoid driving Friday late afternoons or Sunday evenings if possible.

  • Top off your gas tank before your trip—stations near highways fill up quickly.

  • Use rest stops strategically to avoid bottlenecks.

  • Know your route, including backup options in case of road closures or heavy delays.

Keep an emergency kit with bottled water, snacks, a flashlight, phone charger, and a basic first aid kit—especially if you're heading into higher-traffic areas or taking longer drives.

Confidence Behind the Wheel Starts with Preparation

At All Care Driving School, we prepare students for more than just the road test. Our lessons include practical experience in summer conditions—like navigating traffic, spotting distracted drivers, and responding calmly to real-world hazards.

Summer is the perfect time to build confidence. The longer days and dry roads create ideal conditions for learners to rack up safe, supervised hours. And when challenges arise, our instructors are there to guide each student with local insight and a steady hand.

Want to build your summer driving confidence?

Contact All Care Driving School:

Hicksville: (516) 605-0033


Ronkonkoma: (631) 724-3488


 
 
 

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