Summer Car Accident Causes & Statistics

It might not initially seem like there’s anything inherently risky about driving during the summer. In fact, you might think it would be even safer than it is in the winter because the weather is so much nicer and you don’t have snow and ice to worry about. But believe it or not, there are plenty of driving hazards that make it more likely for car accidents to happen, even when the weather is seemingly nice.

Summer Driving Hazards

Extra Traffic

When the weather is warm and sunny, people are simply more willing to get out of the house. Regardless if they’re taking a long road trip for a vacation or just heading out to the nearest beach or park, nice weather means more people on the roads. This is particularly true during holiday weekends like Memorial Day and the 4th of July.

More Parties & Celebrations

Not only are there lots of holidays during the summer, there tend to be lots of other parties during the summer, too. Graduation parties, barbeques, weddings, and family reunions are all very common summertime events, but those types of events also very frequently involve alcohol. When people don’t drink responsibly and get behind the wheel, the more likely it is they’ll be involved in a car accident.

More Inexperienced Drivers

In addition to the extra cars on the road and the increased number of impaired drivers, there’s another hazard to deal with: inexperienced drivers. With school out of session, that leaves more time for newly-licensed drivers who don’t have a lot of experience behind the wheel to be out and about.

Changing Tire Pressure

There’s also the fact that hot weather can be rough on vehicles. When the weather cools off, drivers often start getting “low tire pressure” alerts on their car. Coldness makes things contract, including air molecules, which means the air in your tires might not be exerting as much pressure on your tires as they were on a warmer day. But when the weather gets hot, the reverse can happen. Since heat makes things expand, the air in your tires can start to exert too much pressure on your tires and cause blowouts. So be sure you keep a close eye on your tire pressure all summer long.

With Memorial Day and summer just around the corner, let’s take some time to understand some of the facts and statistics about summertime car accidents.

 Summer Car Accident Infographic

Infographic Transcription

Summertime Auto Accident Statistics

1,022: Number of deaths on average in the U.S. from auto accidents involving teens the 100 days after Memorial Day

Teenage Motor Vehicle Accidents Resulting in Death, 2015

• June: Approximately 260
• July: Approximately 250
• August: Approximately 270

Top Reasons Why Auto Accidents Increase During Summertime

• Increase of travelers driving on the road
• Increase of teen motorists on the road
• Impaired driving increases
• Road construction increases
• Higher temperatures increase risk of vehicle equipment failure

States With the Highest Percentage of Roads That are Bad for Driving During Summer

• Washington
• California
• Oklahoma
• Wisconsin
• Pennsylvania
• New Jersey
• Massachusetts
• Connecticut
• Rhode Island

Ways to Avoid Auto Accidents During Summertime

• Turn off/ignore cell phone while driving
• Avoid or drive slowly through construction sites
• Never drive while impaired
• Make sure vehicle maintenance is up to date
• Check weather before heading out on the road to avoid heavy rain and thunderstorms

References:

IIHS

USA Today

For Justice Now

24/7 Wall St.

Huffington Post

Injured in a Car Accident?

No matter what time of year a car accident occurs, the injuries they can cause can change your life. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact a car accident lawyer who can help you get all of the compensation you need. Goodwin & Scieszka has decades of experience helping Michigan car accident victims like you. Contact us today for help with your case.