Congestion, Construction, and Kids Behind the Wheel
The “100 Deadliest Days” of summer are upon us. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is one of the most dangerous times to drive, accounting for at least 8,300 fatalities from 2008 to 2018.
Teen Drivers
AAA attributes the risks of this period to teenagers on the road. Without school, many young people are out driving, often for the first time. Crash data shows that new teen drivers are 3 times more likely than adults to be involved in a deadly crash, primarily due to driver inexperience.
In addition to teens on the road, summer presents other driving challenges.
Traffic and Travelers
Summer is a wonderful opportunity for road trips, which means the roads may be more crowded than normal. Not only are the roads congested, but travelers may also be unfamiliar with their surroundings and may make abrupt stops and turns. Both factors can lead to aggressive, erratic, and unpredictable driving, which can cause car accidents.
Road Construction
Longer days and nicer weather make summer a popular time for road construction. Construction zones cause extra traffic and unfamiliar detours, and they can be distracting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 773 people lose their lives in construction zones each year, so exercise extra caution whenever you see road work or maintenance.
Recreational Vehicles and Pedestrians
During the summer, more bicyclists and motorcyclists hit the road. As such, you will need to be more careful with lane changes, turns, and even parallel parking. Always check your blind spot and keep a special eye out for cyclists of all kinds.
Pedestrians may also be out enjoying the warm weather, so be extra cautious in intersections and keep an eye out for people crossing the street.
Car Trouble
When thinking of car accidents, it’s easy to assume all the risks are outside of your car. With the hot weather of summer, however, you may struggle with an overheating engine or even a dangerous tire blowout.
Check your tires regularly during the summer months and heatwaves. The penny test can help you determine whether or not it’s time for new tires.
If your engine overheats, pull over and let it cool down.
Defective car parts can also pose a challenge during summer and all other seasons. Check your vehicle for recalls and contact an attorney if a defective car part causes your accident.
How to Handle a Summer Car Accident
Even with your best efforts, you cannot always avoid a car crash. If someone else causes your accident, gather all the information you can at the scene and seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t feel hurt.
To hold the responsible party accountable and maximize your insurance settlement, call the Zambrano Law Firm at (956) 627-0908 or contact us online to discuss your legal options during a free consultation.