Statistics show that driving during the summer may put drivers at a higher risks of car accidents than other months of the year.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that in Missouri the number of car accidents start to grow in May, peak in August, and slowly go back down around October.
The conclusion you should draw after looking at this data is this: you should be very careful when driving in the summer.
Why Are Summer Months More Dangerous?
There are a number of reasons why driving in the summer may be riskier:
- More teen drivers on the road – because of the summer break, these inexperienced drivers may have more time to get behind the wheel
- Tourists and travelers – summer is the time when city traffic may get a lot worse because more people are visiting a particular area
- Road construction sites – there is a lot more construction done to the roads during the summer than winter
- Driving under the influence – summer is a popular time for various celebrations, barbecues, and other events where individuals may choose to drink alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, some of them also decide to get behind the wheel after they’re done having fun.
- Heat strokes – driving when it’s extremely hot can lead to dehydration and driver fatigue, which impairs a driver’s ability to drive safely, putting themselves and others in danger.
How to Stay Safe
It’s important to take a few extra precautions when driving during the summer. Small actions can go a long way to keeping you and your family safe and avoiding a potential collision.
Here are some things you can do:
1. Check Your Vehicle
Keep your vehicle up to date on all its repairs for the summer, with special attention to the air conditioning, engine, and tires.
2. Stock up
Always have plenty of water in the car with you, especially if you’re planning to go on a longer drive. Staying hydrated is essential in avoiding heat strokes and driver fatigue.
3. Avoid Congestion
If possible, try to avoid times of day or roads where there is a lot of traffic. It’s best to opt for alternative routes, even if they take longer, since this way you’ll avoid getting stuck in traffic.
4. Pay Attention
It’s incredibly important to pay attention to the road and the other drivers. If you see a driver behaving strangely, with unpredictable actions, it’s best to try to avoid that vehicle. The driver may be intoxicated or inexperienced.
Injured in a St. Louis Car Crash? Speak With an Attorney!
Unfortunately, no matter how much you prepare or how careful you are, sometimes the inevitable happens. If you’ve been the victim of a car accident and want to file an insurance claim, please reach out to a St. Louis car crash lawyer right away to ensure your legal rights are protected.