Data from various safety organizations (like the American Automobile Association) and transportation agencies (both state and federal agencies) consistently shows that car accidents increase noticeably during the summer months. Why does this seasonal spike occur? With a quick look at what makes the summer season unique, we can start to better see the answer.
Increased Travel During Summer
Summer is synonymous with family vacations, road trips, and excursions to beaches, parks, and other tourist hotspots. The increase of vehicles on highways and local roads means more congestion, slower traffic, and a greater likelihood of fender benders or serious collisions. Interstates popular with tourists often see heavy traffic, compounding the risks even further.
Teen Drivers on Break
“100 Deadliest Days” is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, marked by a substantial increase in accidents involving drivers, especially teen drivers. With school out of session, teenage drivers have more opportunities to be on the road. This time also coincides with social outings, part-time jobs, and summer get-togethers, creating additional risks for these less experienced drivers.
Impaired Summer Night Driving
Summer is a season of celebrations, from barbecues to weddings to music festivals and sporting events. With frequent gatherings comes a higher prevalence of drunk or impaired driving, particularly in the evening and night, when people are heading home from summer events. Alcohol impairment slows reaction times and affects judgment, making it a leading cause of car accidents during the summer.
Road Construction
In states with harsh winters, road construction tends to peak during the summer, resulting in lane closures, detours, and shifts in traffic patterns. Drivers may face reduced visibility in these construction zones, unclear signage, or sudden lane shifts, all of which contribute to car accident risks.
Distracted Driving
During longer summer trips, drivers may engage in more distracting behaviors such as texting, changing music, eating, or studying GPS routes while on the road. Each distraction, even one that “only” lasts a few seconds, increases the likelihood of an accident, particularly on unfamiliar roads or highways.
Tips for Staying Safe
While the risks are clear, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of becoming involved in an accident during the summer months.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is one of the most effective ways to stay safe in heavy summer traffic. Always maintain an appropriate following distance to give yourself adequate time to react if the car ahead stops suddenly. Stay aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards, such as merging vehicles or stalled cars.
Don’t Drive While Drunk
Plan your transportation in advance when attending summer events involving alcohol. Use a designated driver, ridesharing service, or taxi to make your way home safely. Similarly, avoid driving while tired. The longer daylight hours can tempt drivers to stay on the road later, increasing the risk of fatigue-related mistakes.
Minimize Distractions
Keep your full attention on the road. Pre-program your GPS, set your playlist, and ask that all passengers respect the importance of not distracting the driver. Place your phone in a location where you won’t be tempted to check messages or notifications while driving, too.
Plan Routes Ahead
Planning your route can help you identify construction zones, accident-prone intersections, and high-traffic times, allowing you to minimize delays and frustration. Use apps or navigation tools that provide real-time traffic updates and warnings about construction delays, but keep in mind that you should not distract yourself with such apps while driving.
Get Legal Help After a Summer Car Accident
Despite your best efforts to drive safely, summer car accidents can still happen to you due to the mistakes of other drivers. If you or a loved one gets injured in a car accident in Texas, during the summer or any time of year, know that Hilliard Law is here to support you with highly experienced legal counsel. We have been representing injured plaintiffs across the state and in hard-fought trials for decades, earning us a long history of newsworthy case results.
Need a Texas car accident lawyer after a crash? Call (866) 927-3420 and ask for a free case review.