Summer Sends Crash Rates Soaring, Be Sure to Drive Extra Carefully

Summer is in full swing, which means hot days, fun road trips, and, unfortunately, an uptick in car crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are 29% more car crash fatalities in summer compared to winter. Sounds surprising, doesn’t it? 

More Teenage Drivers

Schools are out, which automatically means more teenage drivers hitting the streets, and more teens on the road equals more accidents. We’re talking about young, inexperienced drivers here, who might be more prone to mistakes. On average, 260 teenagers tragically die each summer in car accidents according to the NHTSA. This is a wake-up call for us all to stay extra alert on the roads, because we need to watch out for others who might not be as seasoned behind the wheel.

Traffic Jams And Construction Leading to Fender Benders

We all know that sitting in traffic can be a nightmare, especially in places with scorching heat like Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. These conditions can lead to impatience and poor decisions. Motorcyclists and bicyclists also emerge in larger numbers, and create a mixed bag of traffic.                                             

Also, let’s not forget construction zones – with milder weather, transportation departments ramp up projects to fix winter potholes. And while improvements are great, construction zones are anything but. When you’re driving through these areas, it  requires heightened awareness, so always keep an eye out for signs, workers, and sudden lane changes.

Summer Showers

Did you know that the first few minutes after it starts raining can be the most dangerous? Oil and water make roads slick, which leads to hydroplaning. If you start to hydroplane, turn into the spin to regain control – and make sure those wiper blades are in good shape and your windshield washer fluid is filled up.  

Tippling Too Much

Summer parties, BBQs, you name it—alcohol is often part of the fun. But it’s a deadly mix with driving. Rates of alcohol-impaired driving shoot up in the summer and, according to the NHTSA, crashes involving drunk drivers almost double. Stats from Arizona Department of Transportation show that alcohol was a factor in 4.63% of all crashes and a 20.23% of fatal ones, and 84% of these accidents went down in cities. This is where having Mesa car personal injury attorneys can make a huge difference as they know the local laws and can help you with  the aftermath of an accident, so  you get the compensation you deserve.

 And remember, if you’re planning to have a drink, make sure you’ve got a designated driver or a ride-sharing app on standby. No summer celebration is worth ending in tragedy. All this boils down to one simple point: be extra careful on the roads this summer. Whether you’re cruising through sunny California or braving the desert heat of Arizona, staying alert and cautious can make all the difference.