What Are the Dangers of Driving in the Summer?
While you may be excited about the summer season, you should also be aware of the dangers that drivers face during this season. Below, we will discuss the various summertime driving hazards you should be aware of as well as some driving safety tips.
Animal Activity
Wildlife may be on or around the road or highway more often during the summer months. Drivers risk their safety as well as others if they do not pay attention and drive with more caution in animal crossing zones.
Construction Work
During the summer, you may notice that more construction work is being done as this is one of the most popular seasons for such projects. Drivers often get into a collision involving construction workers and other vehicles when they:
- Get frustrated by the delays and detours and drive angrily
- Do not eliminate distractions
- Fail to merge or adhere to speed limit guidelines in a work zone
Deadly Holiday Weekends
Drivers are more likely to get into accidents with drunk or impaired drivers during holiday weekends. According to information from AutoInsurance.org and ValuePenguin, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day are amongst the most dangerous holidays for driving. On average, during a 3-day weekend, 250 fatal crashes may occur; during these holiday weekends, the number of fatal accidents increases (on average) by 59 accidents.
Inclement Weather Conditions
Heavy rainfall as well as other weather hazards (like dust storms) can affect your safety while driving. If you do not pull over or drive with caution during a storm, you risk hydroplaning or driving with limited sight.
More Pedestrians & Cyclists
Because it’s sunny outside and more activities are happening, more pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists are going to be out on the road (in residential and public areas). Summertime accidents often occur because drivers do not take extra precautions to share the road well.
Overheated Engine
Hot summer weather can affect your engine and cause it to overheat. If your car’s coolant levels are low or your car has a leak, that can also lead to your engine overheating in the summer.
After your engine overheats, you should pull over. However, some drivers may decide to keep going, which can lead to an accident. An overheated engine may break down while you are driving and can lead to your car becoming damaged.
Teen Drivers
In the summer, inexperienced teen drivers are more likely to be on the road. Whether they are going to their summer job, picking up friends, or heading to the mall, teen drivers present a danger to others on the road. Known for being more reckless and prone to causing accidents, teen drivers may get into a collision with you.
Tire Blowouts
Tire blowouts can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and spin out of control; after losing one or more of your tires, you may suffer injuries in a single or multi-car collision. Hot weather can affect your tires, because they may overheat quickly or build up pressure, which can lead to a blowout. In New Mexico, June is when the hot summer season typically begins, and July is known for being the hottest month of the year. If your tires are overdue for replacement or have gotten deflated, you may also suffer a tire blowout.
Vacation Traffic
Summertime is a popular season for travel and vacations. Many people and families take road trips or fly to new cities. Because of the traffic, drivers may lose their patience and drive recklessly. Other drivers may not pay attention to the road because they are drowsy, distracted, or taking in the sights.
Tips to Avoid Summertime Driving Dangers
To protect yourself as well as your passengers, here are twelve summer driving safety tips.
- Schedule routine vehicle maintenance. Regardless of the season, you should always stay up-to-date on your vehicle maintenance appointments. Many accidents, including crashes involving tire blowouts or vehicle-related issues, can be avoided if you check your vehicle and ensure it is working at maximum efficiency.
- Check your tires. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), each year, there are approximately 11,000 tire-related accidents in which over 600 people die. By checking your tires (i.e. checking their air pressure, looking for wear and tear, and inspecting your valve caps), you can ensure that they are in good shape and determine what grade they are. Tire grades range from A to C (with C being the lowest grade). “A” rated rites are the coolest running and are typically best for summer weather conditions.
- Avoid potholes and debris. Without risking your safety by driving in another lane or swerving, you should avoid driving over debris or potholes when possible.
- Share the road well. Be mindful of other cars, motorcycles, and people on the road, and take extra precautions (like double-checking before taking a turn, putting on your blinkers well in advance, etc.) to help protect yourself and others.
- Avoid speeding. Speeding can contribute to many accidents in construction zones, animal crossing zones as well as collisions involving blowouts and pedestrians. Be mindful of and adhere to the speed limit at all times.
- Do not engage in reckless driving habits. When you are driving, you should eliminate distractions and avoid dividing your attention between texting and driving or eating while driving, or other activities and driving. If you are prone to road rage, you should also take steps to learn how to calm down while driving as drivers with road rage often drive recklessly (by ignoring traffic signals, tailgating, etc.).
- Pull over if you experience issues. If your engine overheats or you feel tired or unwell, you should pull over to safety. Continuing to drive can be detrimental to your safety and your vehicle.
- Check the weather before driving. When possible, you should schedule and route your trip with deference to the weather.
- Drive with extra caution during dusk and dawn. Using your headlights and driving slowly during these times can help keep you safe if you encounter an animal or another vehicle.
- Avoid traveling on holiday weekends if possible. Even if you plan to drive to a friend or family member’s house during the holidays, try to arrive before the weekend starts and/or consider asking if you can stay over instead of traveling home. While you still want to have an enjoyable weekend, you should take precautions to protect yourself.
- Wear your seatbelt. According to the NHTSA, in a year, seatbelts save about 14,995 lives. However, in 2021, only 90.4% of vehicle occupants wore their seatbelts.
- Be cautious. As your drive, be aware of your surroundings and the road. If you notice reckless drivers or unsafe road conditions, drive defensively.
Injured in an Accident This Summer? Contact Our Firm Today.
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