Vehicle crashes happen throughout the year, but summer sees a notable spike in accidents. In fact, the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are sometimes referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer.”
That name technically refers to the high risk for adolescent drivers, who, with school finished for the summer, have time to use their cars more. Yet people of all ages get caught up in summertime crashes.
Aside from inexperienced teens getting the chance to drive more, often making mistakes as they go, there are several other reasons summer can be a dangerous time on the roads. Here are three things that often give rise to summer accidents
Drinking holidays
Many people’s alcohol consumption goes up in the summer, and the time of day people drink also tends to expand. More people will be drinking at daytime events, such as parades or barbecues, and “drinking holidays” like the Fourth of July are common. Ultimately, that can lead to more drunk drivers on the road and more drunk driving accidents.
Increased traffic
Certain days of summer can see a massive increase in the number of vehicles on particular roads. For example, Friday afternoons often see people lining up and rushing to get away for the weekend, while a music festival might see hundreds or thousands of visitors filling the roads in and out of the venue. The more cars there are on the road, the more accidents there may be.
Hot temperatures
Sitting in a traffic line on a hot day is not much fun. Tempers can easily flare, and drivers may resort to aggressive driving maneuvers that they would not have made on a cooler, less busy day. In general, heat can be an accelerant for stress, and stress can cause drivers to make poor decisions.
If you are injured in a collision this summer, remember that legal guidance can help you to seek the compensation you may need.
