Why Do Car Accidents Happen More Frequently in the Summer?

With school out and the weather heating up, the summer months are prime time for vacations and road trips. But more people traveling, unfortunately, means traffic-related accidents become more likely. Major summer holidays such as Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day attract party-goers and also make instances of drunk driving more common. With this increased risk of car crashes, it’s a good idea to be informed of the reasons why car accidents are more frequent during the summer months and what you can do to keep your family safe on the road.

Reasons Why Car Accident Rates Go Up in Summertime

There is a range of reasons why the number of car accidents increases in the summer, but some of the most common contributing factors are:

1. Vacations. Families take vacations during the summer when school is out and the weather is nice. With more cars on the road, the likelihood of an accident increases.
2. Drunk driving. Drunk driving is another common cause of accidents in the summer. Drunk and drugged holiday drivers, on weekends such as Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, are likely to cause crashes. Driving while intoxicated reduces a driver’s reaction time and impairs their ability to focus on the task of driving.
3. Road construction. Increased road construction during the summer makes the likelihood of an accident increase too. Some drivers fail to exercise care when navigating around construction zones, and some construction companies fail to install proper signage or leave debris and equipment in the road.
4. Warm temperatures. Car engines can overheat on long, hot road trips. Moreover, defective parts can malfunction due to the onset of high temperatures.
5. Hazardous weather conditions. Some regions, especially coastal areas of the United States, suffer more extreme weather in the summer. Each summer sees an onslaught of tropical storms and hurricanes, making driving hazardous where visibility is low.
6. Inexperienced drivers. High schools are out for the summer, which means more teen drivers on the road. Teen drivers have little experience behind the wheel and may not be familiar with all applicable traffic laws. This can lead to accidents. 

Safety Tips for Drivers

Although it’s impossible to control other drivers, you can take some important steps to help keep you and your passengers more secure on the road.

• Take your vehicle in for regular inspections, oil changes, tune-ups, and repairs. – It’s always a good idea to keep your vehicle serviced and inspected. Change the oil or top it off, get a full tune-up, repair or replace any damaged parts, check tire pressure, and check your brakes to make sure they work properly.
• Pack a survival kit. – Every vehicle should be stocked with the items you would need if you break down. Include water, snacks, medicine, repair tools, jumper cables, and other essentials in case of emergency.
• Secure heavy cargo. – If you’re hauling heavy cargo, make sure it’s properly secured with straps to the top of your vehicle or the truck bed.
• Use seat belts. – Before you hit the road, check that all passengers are wearing their seat belts, car seats are secured properly, and youngsters are riding in the back seat.
• Avoid distractions. – Whenever a driver focuses on something aside from driving, the chances of a crash increase. It’s never a good idea to multitask while driving. Texting, taking photos, grooming or applying makeup, eating, and drinking are all distracting activities to avoid.

How The Law Firm of Carlton F. Bennett, P.L.L.C., Can Help

The attorneys with The Law Firm of Carlton F. Bennett, P.L.L.C., are dedicated to fighting for car accident victims in Virginia Beach. If you’ve been injured in a car accident this summer, you might be entitled to compensation for the cost of your medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering. Our Virginia Beach car accident lawyers can review your case and help you seek the settlement you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!