Summer comes with a lot of good tidings aside from the fantastic weather. School breaks, road trips, family vacations and other outdoor fun activities are characteristic of this time of the year. However, it’s not all cheer.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), road accidents peak during summer. For instance, in 2020, more than 10,000 lives were lost in June, July and August alone. Therefore, as a motorist or road user, you should be extra vigilant during this season.
Below are some possible reasons behind these worrying statistics:
More teen drivers
School’s out in summer, and the excitement of teenagers hitting the road with their friends sometimes ends in disaster. Teenagers are mostly inexperienced drivers who are easily distracted, and it may come as little surprise that a significant number of summer road accidents involve teenage drivers.
Increased traffic
Due to the conducive weather, many people are out and about in the summer. Unfortunately, the increased traffic of pedestrians and motorists means that the chances of something going wrong are heightened, which leads to a spike in the number of accidents.
Alcohol impairment
The holiday mood and parties that come with summer sometimes end up with drunk drivers on the road. Driving while intoxicated is a sure way of getting into a crash, which could explain the rise in road accidents during this period.
Road construction activities
Summer also sees a lot of road construction, which can affect drivers. For example, route diversions when roads are under construction can put a driver on an unfamiliar route, thereby increasing the chances of something going wrong.
Changes in speed limits and hazardous conditions brought about by construction can also lead to accidents.
Due to the increased chances of a crash, it is crucial to be prepared for any eventuality whenever you are on the road this summer. Knowing what to do to protect your interests and hold a negligent driver accountable is crucial if you’ve been injured in a wreck.
