According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), summertime is
the most dangerous time to be on the road, at least in terms of traffic fatalities. Summer brings a 29% increase in these fatalities. There are a number factors that contribute to this increase. They include:
More traffic. Twenty percent more miles are driven in June, July, and August than in December, January and February.
Weather conditions. While you may not think weather is a factor, summer can create some dangerous situations for motorists. Sudden and increasingly strong storms can drastically reduce visibility. These weather events also increase the risk of potential hydroplaning. (Wet pavement is a factor in nearly two-thirds of all weather-related accidents in the US.) Extreme heat during a long drive can contribute to a tire blowout resulting in the loss of control. High temperatures and humidity can also lead to driver fatigue.
Inexperienced drivers. During the summer, teenaged drivers spend nearly 50% more time on the road than they do during the school year. This segment is the likeliest to be involved in a traffic accident relative to any other age group.
Road construction. These projects are typically well under way during the summer. Confusing traffic patterns and narrow lanes can be daunting, particularly for inexperienced drivers. Massive construction vehicles entering or exiting the roadway pose an ever-present danger.
Small vehicles. Motorcycles are a common sight on roads during summer. Given their small size and lack of protective features, they are the most vulnerable vehicles on the road. A shocking 80% of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death. In two-thirds of motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcycle rider’s right of way and caused the accident.
Large recreational vehicles. RVs are prone to potentially dangerous issues such as blind spots, lengthy braking distance and lack of maneuverability. A high center of gravity can lead to rollovers. Weighing up to 30,000 pounds big RVs can pose a significant risk to automobiles. RV drivers often travel long distances leading to driver fatigue which increases the risk.
Boats. During the summer months it’s not uncommon to see a boat being towed down the highway. Boat trailers are susceptible to swaying and instability. Even a slight incorrect movement of the vehicle can create a dangerous situation for other motorists. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that as many as 50,000 accidents related to trailer towing occur each year.
Unfamiliar territory. Traveling to a new destination can be stressful for any driver. Driving in unfamiliar surroundings is always risky, especially at night after you’ve been on the road for extended periods of time.
Distractions. One out of four motor vehicle crash fatalities result from distracted driving. This dangerous practice is more prevalent in the summer, rising nearly 8% compared to the rest of the year.
Alcohol-impairment. According to the NHTSA, the number of alcohol-impaired drivers increases significantly over the summer months, resulting in nearly two-times the number of car crash fatalities than all other times of the year combined.
To speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, call Comitz Law at 570-829-1111 or email info@comitzlaw.com.