espanol
Car Crash

Why Motor Vehicle Accidents Are More Likely During Summer Months?

Summertime can be a great time to enjoy the outdoors and maybe take a vacation with your loved ones, but it also happens to be the season when the most traffic accidents tend to occur in the United States. Vehicular accidents commonly involve cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles, but can also involve ATVs or other recreational vehicles which are used with more frequency during the summer months. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the months of August and September are typically the peak months for car accidents. Why are vehicular accidents more likely to occur during the summer?

The summer heat can increase the chances of vehicle equipment failure.
As temperatures increase, the heat can impact the equipment on a vehicle, especially the tires. When tires are worn out, hotter weather can cause the air inside of tires to expand, increasing the risk of blowouts and, in turn, traffic accidents.

Teenagers are out of school and on the roads during the summer.
Researchers have found that, during the summer, teenage drivers generally spend about 44 percent more time during the week driving than during the school year. This means that more inexperienced drivers are on the road for longer periods of time, increasing the risk of collisions (particularly considering that teens are the drivers who are most likely to cause distracted driving accidents).

There tends to be more road construction in the summer.
In many states, road construction and maintenance crews take advantage of the warmer summer weather to try to get as much done before the winter arrives and put their work on hold. In road work zones, it is common for there be traffic lanes shut down, merges, lane shifts, detours, and temporary signs or signals. These changes to the infastructure, in turn, can increase the risk of collisions, as more complicated driving conditions can mean there is more to pay attention to and a greater possibility of errors occurring while driving. In fact, if a driver is impaired, distracted and/or fatigued, the risk of accidents will further increase wherever there are road work zones. In is important to driving carefully and comply with the reduced speed limits in road work zones.

Avoiding Vehicular Accidents

Vehicular accidents may be averted or reduced through several methods. Drivers should keep distractions to a minimum to protect passengers and themselves. The most common source of distraction while driving is cell phones, making phone calls, texting, using social media apps, or other apps. Hands free, Bluetooth and digital assistants can help keep a driver’s eye on the road, but avoiding the use of cell phones while driving is much safer. Additionally, it is important to ensure the vehicle is up to date with repairs and maintenance. It may seem obvious, but attention to the road is necessary often to avoid other cars, objects or pedestrians on the road.

Remember to drive safely and we hope you enjoy the summer. If you are involved in a car accident that is caused by another person’s negligence may wish to consult with a personal injury attorney at David I. Pankin, P.C. who can advise you of your rights and options. You can contact the Law Offices of David I. Pankin, P.C. at 888-529-9600 or by using our easy online contact form.

Related Posts

Call Today For A Free Consultation

phone
1-888-664-1858

FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION

Call Now Button