When anyone gets into a car and drives on the roads and highways, there is always a risk that they will be involved in a car accident. No matter how safe you think you drive, or how much of a defensive driver you try to be, there are always reckless, careless, and negligent drivers sharing the road with you.
Car crashes can happen in a blink of an eye, and for many reasons. The question that often arises is this: are there actually more accidents during the summer than in other seasons? The data shows that the answer is a resounding yes.
This can be somewhat surprising given the fact that in many areas of our country during winter time the roads can be quite hazardous. Given that snow and ice accumulations on roads is quite common, the weather can cause a significant number of car crashes.
There are many reasons why summertime is the most dangerous season when it comes to car and truck accidents. This article will discuss those reasons and what you could do to protect yourself and make your summer trips a little bit safer.
An Increase in Traffic
One of the main causes of an increase in car accidents during summer is the increase in traffic. While there is a proven increase in traffic with every major holiday regardless of the season, there is an overall increase in travel during the summer months. People travel for vacations, or to visit family, or to get away on a whim no matter the holiday or occasion over the summer, not necessarily planned around a particular holiday break. As always, with an increase in traffic there will be increased accidents.
Teenagers Are On Summer Break
It is understood that teenagers are an age group that causes more accidents than other age groups. One of the reasons for this is that teenagers are brand new drivers with undeveloped driving skills. They tend to take more risks and fail to understand or comprehend the dangers that can be associated with driving. Teenagers tend to speed and drive erratically, aggressively, and recklessly. All this contributes to an increase in teenage car accidents.
With the advent of summer vacation, most teenagers are on break from school or home from college. Those teens will be spending more time on the roads, leading to more accidents during the summer.
More Road Construction During the Summer
As the winter weather subsides and the warmer weather begins, there is always increased Road construction. On city streets as well as highways, you will always see significant road construction during summer months.
This construction usually includes changes in road designs, directions, detours, barriers, and speed reductions. In many instances, this could lead to car crashes because drivers are not used to seeing detours, construction signs, and construction workers. Sometimes the roadways are narrowed and limited. When drivers continue to drive over the speed limit in construction zones, there’s an increased risk for accidents, especially an increased risk for the health and safety of construction workers.
More Pedestrians and Bicyclist
With warmer weather, everyone wants to get outside to enjoy the sun and the fresh air. This increases the number of walkers, joggers and people riding bicycles. It is not surprising that there is a significant increase in pedestrian accidents during the warmer months as compared to the colder months. Drivers are just not used to seeing walkers and bicyclists out and about and fail to see them. Or, the drivers are distracted for a few seconds at the wrong time and hit a pedestrian.
Increase in Motorcycle Riders
Similar to the increase in pedestrian traffic, there is an increase in the number of motorcycles on the road during the summer months. Riding motorcycles has become a huge pastime in the United States over the last 30 years. What used to be considered a counterculture activity in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, is now commonplace. Now you can see all manner of people riding motorcycles, but with increased motorcycle traffic there will always be increased motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycles are generally more dangerous to drive than vehicles to begin with. There is less protection for motorcycle riders compared to all of the safety protections of cars and trucks. In addition to the inherent risks of motorcycle driving, many states throughout the United States do not require motorcyclists to wear helmets.
What Should You Do If You Are Injured in a Car Accident?
The most important immediate thing to do if you are involved in a car accident is to make sure you contact 911. Having a police officer come to the scene will allow someone to begin investigating the accident, collecting witness information, and determining who was at fault.
Another thing to do after a crash is to seek medical care as soon as possible. The sooner you see the doctor, the sooner you will know if your injuries are serious. Do not assume that you will get better on your own.
The Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow Provide Experienced Representation of People Seriously Injured in Car Accidents
Being seriously injured in a car accident can be traumatic and frightening. Our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow have the knowledge and skills to fight for your rights to receive full compensation for your injuries. Call us at (302) 427-9500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We have offices conveniently located in Wilmington, Bear, Milford, and Lewes, Delaware. With offices in all three counties of Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state.
