No season is completely safe for drivers. Fall ushers in shorter days and more nighttime driving, winter can mean icy roads, and spring brings plenty of storms that drivers must navigate. But summer presents its own set of risks to motorists.
We’ve identified five key reasons why summer has more car accidents than any other season. By recognizing the risks you face, you might be able to plan accordingly and avoid some of the most common dangers associated with summer driving.
More People Take Vacations
Summer vacations mean more people on the road, and it means that more people are driving to places they don’t normally travel. The result is heavier traffic on highways and interstates, drivers navigating unfamiliar territory, and an increased potential for wrecks.
Younger (and More Inexperienced) Drivers Spend More Time on the Road
During the summer months, teens not only have a break from school, but they also have more hours in the day to drive around with their friends. This is why AAA has labeled the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the 100 Deadliest Days.
Construction Projects Pick Up in the Summer
Warmer weather and longer days give construction crews more time to complete road construction projects, which can create bottlenecks and traffic congestion. When driving through work zones, drivers are forced to deal with suddenly reduced speed, reduced lanes, and even detours. All this is a recipe for more crashes on our roads.
The Summer Heat Can Push Vehicles to the Limit
Vehicles and vehicle components are far more stressed in the summer heat. This makes engine failures and vehicle breakdowns more likely. Vehicle breakdowns alone create the potential for car accidents, and they also increase traffic congestion and pose distractions for other drivers.
After Summer Parties, Drivers Might Be Impaired
Summer not only has its fair share of holidays, from Independence Day to Labor Day, but it also creates endless opportunities for pool parties, backyard barbecues, and all sorts of social gatherings. These get-togethers often involve alcohol, and when people fail to take the proper precautions, drunk driving accidents become far more likely.
Stay Safe on the Road This Summer
You likely already know what it means to be a safe driver and how to avoid being a danger to others. Unfortunately, you can’t control the actions of other drivers. This summer, be as vigilant as possible behind the wheel and know that if a negligent driver causes you harm, you have legal options available.
You Have Legal Rights When Injured by a Careless Driver
When you’re injured in a crash through no fault of your own, you can file a personal injury claim to receive the compensation you’re entitled to by law. These claims offer you the chance to hold at-fault drivers and their insurance companies responsible for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and any other damages you face because of their negligence.
Need Help? Fieger Law Is Ready to Take Your Call
At Fieger Law, our Michigan car accident lawyers know what it takes to win. Our team has won more than 165 verdicts and settlements of $1 million or more, and many of those cases involved car accidents.
We help clients throughout the U.S., so if you want to speak to a legal team that gets results, contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation case review.
