Accident Prevention Tips for Summer
Summer driving has its own hazards. In 2014, August was the second month with the highest number of fatal car accidents, second to October. Although many of us think of winter as being a hazardous time to drive in certain parts of the country, there are in fact several ways that summertime is as dangerous – or perhaps more dangerous – for driving:
- More work zones. A lot of road and construction projects occur during the summer. Remember to obey posted speed limits and remain attentive for workers on the road. Careless drivers can easily cause a crash in work zones.
- Increased presence of teen drivers. July and August are the deadliest months for 16 and 17-year-old motorists. They are out of school, and are more likely to be traveling in their vehicles. It’s simply a fact that teen drivers are less experienced, and this lack of experience increases the risk for causing a crash.
If you are the parent of a teen driver, summertime is a good time to remind them of safe driving habits: don’t speed, put away the smartphone, don’t drink and drive. Take the time to enforce these rules, so your teen learns safe driving habits.
- More bicyclists and motorcycles. With improved weather and plenty of sunshine, expect to see more bicyclists, motorcycles, runners and walkers on and around the roadway. Sharing the road is always important, but you may need to practice extra vigilance during the summer. Be sure to check for hard-to-spot bicycles and motorcycles when you are changing lanes, turning, backing up, etc.
- Vacation traffic. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the roads are packed with vacationers, especially on weekends. Manage your reaction to traffic by expecting congestion and slow-downs. You may want to build extra time into your travel schedule.
- Greater risk of tire blowouts. Hotter tires are more susceptible to blowouts. The hot temperature causes the air inside your tires to expand. The best thing you can do to prevent tire failure is to check your tires. If they are worn past the point of safety, it’s time to purchase a new set.
Always wear a seatbelt! These safety devices are proven to save lives in the event of an accident. Failure to wear a seatbelt leads to more serious injuries and a greater risk of fatal injuries in the event of a crash.
We hope that by helping you to understand summertime driving risks, you will be better prepared to deal with them, should any of these hazards arise. We wish all of our South Carolina neighbors a fun-filled and safe summer season.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Myrtle Beach, Kingstree, Columbia or any of the surrounding areas, our lawyers are here to provide clear, straightforward answers about your options for pursuing injury compensation. For a free case review, contact our team at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda today.
