For many people, summer is a favorite time of year. Pool parties, holiday celebrations, backyard barbecues, and endless relaxation are just a few of the reasons why this season is so enjoyable. But before you get your guard down, it’s crucial that you are aware of what dangers you and your family may face.
Year after year, the number of car accidents increases during the summer months. Below, we discuss four reasons for summertime car crashes and provide ways that you can stay safe despite these factors.
Increased Travel and Road Congestion
Florida is known for its beaches and is a popular vacation destination for people across the country. This often leads to more traffic as there are more motorists, trucks, and motorcycle riders on the road at once. Roads can become even more congested due to an increased number of construction projects that typically happen during the summer months.
While driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic can be incredibly frustrating, remember that it’s better to get to your destination safely than risk causing an accident. Always share the road, reduce your speed, and never engage in aggressive driving or road rage behaviors.
More Impaired Drivers on the Road
Summer is the season for socializing, and this often leads to more alcohol being consumed at large gatherings. Inevitably, the rate of drunk driving accidents increases during summer months, especially during Fourth of July celebrations. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that 812 people died in drunk driving crashes during the Fourth of July holiday period from 2014-2018.
If you are at a gathering this summer and are consuming alcohol, please remember that drinking and driving is simply not worth it. Designate a sober driver for the night or call a rideshare vehicle if you need transportation. Additionally, hosts should ensure that no one who has been consuming alcohol at their home will be driving afterward.
The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer
With more teen drivers out of school and spending time with friends, there are more young, inexperienced drivers on the road during summer. According to the AAA Foundation, the time between Memorial Day in May and Labor Day in September is known as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” because fatal teen accidents increase compared to other times of the year.
Parents, it’s important to remember that newly-licensed teen drivers still have significant deficits in their driving skills and require constant learning. Always set a good example and remind them of safe driving practices. Additionally, you may want to set certain rules for them, such as:
- Only driving during daylight hours and when weather conditions are ideal
- Limiting the number of passengers they are allowed to transport at any given time
- Having them put their phones on “do not disturb” mode while driving
Hot Temperatures and Mechanical Breakdowns
Any Florida resident knows that summer temperatures can be brutal, but did you know that it can also affect your vehicle safety? During these times, your vehicle or its parts are more likely to malfunction. In fact, higher temperatures can increase the risks of tire blowouts, overheating engines, and overworked cooling systems.
All of these can, in turn, reduce your ability to properly control your vehicle. To prevent this, you’ll want to think about doing some seasonal maintenance in order to prepare your car for a safe summer of traveling.
We Are Here to Help You
Armed with this information, our team at Ginnis, Krathen, & Zelnick, P.A. hopes that you and your family have a healthy and safe summer. If you are, in fact, injured in a car accident due to another negligent, impaired, or reckless driver, know that we are here to help you understand your legal options.
Our boutique injury firm is located in Fort Lauderdale and we serve clients across the state of Florida. When you’re injured and don’t know what to do next, turn to our legal team to provide you with the quality, personalized representation that you deserve.
Contact our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys at (954) 905-4600 to speak with our legal team today. We offer free consultations and clients pay nothing out of pocket to retain our services.