Avoiding Summertime Car Accidents
Posted Friday, August 6, 2021 by Chris Thayer
Hitting the great open road is a fantastic way to spend the summer. With good weather, beautiful views, and more time and flexibility from work for some, the summer is an excellent time to explore and spend time traveling and outdoors. However, if you have found yourself noticing more vehicle accidents than usual on your summertime drives, you are not alone. In fact, studies have confirmed that more fatal car accidents happen during the summer months than any other time of year. Compared to colder months, summer months have 29% more fatalities as a result of car and vehicle accidents.
*Causes of More Summertime Car Accidents *There are a number of reasons and factors that contribute to the increase in vehicle accident fatalities over the summer. One of the primary factors, according to experts, is the increase in travel that happens over the summer. From June to August, statistics reflect that more people are on the road, and that they travel for longer distances than they do compared to other months of the year. The more time people spend on the road, the more likely they are to be injured. However, travel plays an important aspect, as well. Driving in unfamiliar areas, as well as driving with others who are unfamiliar with your area, can increase driving risks. Tourist drivers have a higher likelihood of being distracted while driving. They are also more likely to miss turns and relevant traffic signs and signals due to their lack of familiarity.
Additionally, with most schools closed for the summer and parents at work, teenage drivers have less supervision and more time on their hands. The highest amount of teenage driving fatalities annually occurs in June, which coincides with the higher traffic fatalities reported during these months. Another contributing factor is driving under the influence. There are more drunk driving and DUI arrests during the summer than in other months of the year. This is significant because more drunk and compromised drivers on the road increases the risk of death for everyone. Drunk drivers are more likely to be involved in wrong-way accidents and fatal roll-over collisions than other drivers.
*Avoiding Dangerous Car Accidents *The majority of all summertime car accidents happen at night. One of the best ways to mitigate your risk of being in a fatal summertime car accident is therefore to avoid any nighttime driving. If you have to drive after dark, it is advisable to stick to well-lit streets, and limit your time spent driving after dark as much as possible. It is almost important to leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles, and leave as much room as possible between you and any car or cars that are acting erratically, swerving, or driving recklessly.
*Talk to a Seattle Personal Injury Attorney *If you have been injured in a car accident in Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Burien, Mercer Island, Issaquah, or the greater Washington State area, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Pivotal Law Group will zealously advocate on your behalf and ensure that you get the maximum settlement you are entitled to. Call today to schedule a consultation.