If you ask most people what the most dangerous driving season is, they’d probably say winter. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that this is not the case. According to NHTSA data, most car accidents occur between the months of July and September. Some of this has to do with the amount that is actually being driven. In the United States, people drive over 54 million more miles from July to September as they do from January to March. In the middle of the most statistically dangerous season for driving, be sure to watch out for summertime driving dangers.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a summertime collision in Alabama, you’ll want to know that there’s someone on your side. At Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C., our car accident lawyers understand how the law surrounding these incidents works. We can analyze your case, and fight for you to obtain the compensation you deserve.
To schedule a free case consultation, contact us today at (205) 933-1500.
Common Dangers of Driving in the Summer
There are many reasons most car accidents happen in the summer. Some of the most common causes of summertime accidents include:
Increased Pedestrian Traffic
The nicer weather of the summer means that more people are walking around. This drastically increases the chance of a car accident with a pedestrian. As both a pedestrian and a driver in highly-populated areas, you need to be careful in the summer.
More Construction and Work Zones
In addition to increased foot traffic, summer is the only possible time most construction projects can be completed. Construction zones on roads are an undeniable hazard for cars, presenting dangers such as:
- The workers themselves
- Oversized vehicles either working on, entering, or leaving the construction site
- Materials such as concrete, wood, and steel, being transported on or off the site
Summer Rain Leads to Driving Hazards
You may find it hard to believe, but rain causes just as many driving issues as snow. Summer storms can result in wet pavement making it harder to stop, and easier to lose control of your car. The Department of Transportation reports that snow is a factor in 17 percent of all weather-related accidents in the U.S., while wet pavement factors in a whopping 75 percent of these crashes.
Vacationers Drive Longer in the Summer, Increasing Accidents
Many families go on vacation during the summer. The result of this is that people who may not drive very often are driving long distances. Even for daily drivers, vacation trips often result in driving more than they’re used to. This can cause motorists to be more fatigued than usual. Combine this with the fact that you’re usually in an unfamiliar area on vacation, and it’s no surprise that accidents are more common during summer months.
Summer Holidays Result in Dangerous Drinking
The holidays that occur in the summer encourage an increased amount of drinking and driving accidents. Between the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, three of the National Safety Council’s six most dangerous holidays are in the summer. The days are warmer and longer in the summer. Most people start drinking earlier, and continue drinking later than they otherwise would.
Summer Means More Teen Drivers on the Road
Summer vacation brings a whole new group of inexperienced daily drivers to the road. Drivers in their teens and early 20s tend to be more reckless. Some college students may not have driven for an entire semester. That inexperience can cause more danger to both other drivers and pedestrians in the area.
Injured in a Summertime Driving Accident? Talk to a Lawyer Who Can Help
A car crash can certainly ruin your summer, no matter what the cause of that accident may be. If you or a loved one was injured in a collision in Alabama, you may be looking for someone to turn to. A car accident lawyer from Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. will tell you whether you’re entitled to any compensation for your injuries after your summertime driving accident. Use our online form or call (205) 933-1500 today to learn how we can help.
