Common Dangers of Summer Driving

With summer in full swing, Americans are taking advantage of the warmer weather and longer days to go on vacations, enjoy recreational activities, and have fun in general. Although the ideal weather conditions would make it seem like summer is the best time to be on the road, in reality, this season is considered the deadliest time of year to drive. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), the summer and early fall are known to be the most dangerous times of year on U.S. roads. The trends indicate that Americans drive the most miles during the summertime. Weekends and certain holidays (such as the Fourth of July) are associated with increased alcohol consumption, resulting in a rise in fatalities.

The following are the most common dangers that often cause car accidents in the summer:

• Young motorists – When school is out for the summer, more teenage drivers will hit the roads. However, teens are more likely to be involved in collisions than any other age group. Since young drivers lack the experience of veteran motorists, they tend to make questionable driving decisions that can increase the risk of a crash.
• Vacationers – During the summer, many Americans will hit the road and embark on long road trips, which means that the roads will be more congested. Unfortunately, traffic jams can make those prone to road rage ticking time bombs. You need to keep an eye on impatient drivers who might cut you off.
• Motorcyclists and bicyclists – Now that the weather is warmer, there will be more bikes and motorcycles sharing the road with motorists, adding to congestion. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t look for bikers and cyclists, which often leads to devastating crashes.
• Construction – Since most municipalities do not perform road maintenance during the winter months, they will try to get as much done as they can during the summer. Not only does road construction pose a hazard in and of itself, but it also results in more traffic on the road.
• Car issues – The summer heat is not good for your tires. Hot weather causes the air inside your tires to expand, which can lead to a blowout. Additionally, the hot weather increases the chance of your engine overheating.

When you are completely aware of the summer driving hazards, it will help you avoid being involved in a crash. But if you have been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent motorist in Michigan, our Okemos personal injury attorney at White Law PLLC can help you get the compensation you deserve to make a full recovery from injury.

For more information, contact us and schedule a consultation today.