Top Reasons Why Car Accidents Increase During Summer Season

Did you know that, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), car drivers are at a higher risk of getting into accidents during the summer season than at any other time of the year? Moreover, June, July, and August are the peak months for car accidents, also known as the 100 deadliest days of summer. Let’s take a look at the statistics before discussing the top reasons why accidents increase during summertime.

According to a 24-year study of car accidents carried by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

  • In summer, 29 percent more people die from car crashes than in winters.
  • Teens are the age group most involved in summer car crashes.
  • On average, 260 teens die in car accidents during summers in the US. This is perhaps a 26 percent increase in comparison to other seasons.
  • Every year collisions and wrecks in the summer season cost billions in damage.

Now let’s find out the underlying causes for the spike in auto accidents during summers:

Reason #1—Teens are on Summer Break—out of schools and on the roads

Most schools close in early June and begin a new school year in August, and most teens spend more time on the roads these months. Studies show that teen drivers spend nearly 44% more time during the week driving than during the school year.

Do you know what this means? It means that more inexperienced car drivers are on the road and longer during summertime, thereby increasing the likelihood of collisions.

Apart from their being inexperienced, there are too many people sharing the roads during summer. So, when roadways are congested, driving conditions become complicated, and there are high chances of road rage, aggressive driving, or speeding, resulting in severe accidents.

Reason#2—Vehicle equipment failure due to summer heat

Vehicle performance is affected by hotter temperatures. Cars have to work overtime in the heat to maintain safe engine temperatures and power air conditioners non-stop—summer heat wrecks havoc on the vehicle and its daily operation. The warm weather, extended road trips, hot roads, and sometimes even humidity can create a hostile environment for cars.

Due to the temperature rise, the heat can negatively impact the vehicle’s equipment, especially the tires. For example, if the car’s tires are slightly worn out, the air inside the tires can expand because of the heat. This increases the risk of a tire blowout, thereby exposing you to a collision risk as the car may not be in your control.

Besides this, the summer heat can also impact battery functioning. Heat and vibration are the worst enemies of a car battery. Although there is nothing much you can do about the heat that occurs naturally, you can make sure that your car’s battery is securely mounted so that there is minimal vibration. If you don’t protect the battery, the suspended plates inside it can become loose and rub against each other.

When this happens, it can result in a sudden high discharge of current, which further leads to excessive heat buildup and thermal runaway. A thermal runaway produces more internal heat than your battery can use. Not only does it impact your vehicle’s performance, but it can also expose you to the risk of accidents if the battery stops working in the middle of a busy road or highway.

Reason#3—Construction Ramps up

Summer season means roadway construction. At least that’s how many states work. The construction crew takes advantage of warm weather to get much of their construction work done before winter arrives and puts them on hold. Roadway construction and highway work zones result in the shut down of traffic lanes and detours. Lane closures due to construction work can lead to traffic congestion, especially during rush hours, further increasing the risk of rear-end traffic accidents.

Besides this, the construction changes in roadway navigation can also lead to drivers becoming confused and losing control. Distracted driving, tailgating, and road rage are frequent in such situations, which is no surprise why accidents are pretty common.

Reason#4—There are more bicycles and motorcycles on the road than usual

As the weather is favorable, people like to ride their bicycles and motorcycles more during summertime. This means that car drivers have to share the road with vulnerable bicyclists and motorcyclists. It further increases the chances of accidents, too, especially if car drivers don’t drive cautiously and be aware of these individuals on the road with them.

If you or a loved one are considering a driving vacation this summer, be sure to stay safe on the roadways. If you sustain injuries in a collision, the first thing you should do is reach out to our experienced auto accident lawyer in North Carolina.

We will review your case and provide you with your options for legal action in your situation. We’ll investigate the case in-depth and collect evidence to establish a strong case for liability against the defendant.

At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor P.C., we fight to see that justice is served. Our goal is to help clients get the compensation they deserve for the injuries and property damages incurred. Our auto accident lawyer in North Carolina will assist you at every stage of the process from start to finish while you focus on getting better. We strive to make the entire process smooth, quick, and stress-free so that you can get the financial help you need to seek the best treatment and set on the road to recovery ASAP. Contact us now so we can serve you.

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