Avoid These Summer Driving Dangers to Try to Stay Safe

Every season has its safety challenges. Summer is a time of sudden rain that can compromise your vehicle’s traction. Many people drive long hours to vacation, creating more distracted and fatigued drivers on the road. Higher temperatures can lead to mechanical breakdowns and tire failures at the worst moments, creating extremely hazardous situations when you least expect them.

Summer weather can increase the risk of vehicle accidents in several ways. Here are the key factors:

1. Increased Traffic Volume

Summer brings vacations, road trips, and teen drivers out of school, all contributing to more congested roads, especially on weekends and holidays. When there are more vehicles and more drivers, it becomes increasingly likely that someone will make a mistake and cause an accident.

2. Driver Misbehavior

Driver mistakes cause most vehicle accidents. There are plenty to be made, including the following:

• Although the use of GPS helps, out-of-town drivers may make sudden stops or turns on unfamiliar roads, increasing the risk of a crash
• Highway exits can be the scenes of confused drivers where they initially start leaving the highway, realize they made a mistake, and then quickly cut back to the travel lanes
• The opposite often happens as well. Drivers realize they need to get off a quickly approaching exit and cut through multiple lanes to reach it at the last second.
• Most of us don’t regularly drive long distances. Extended driving during hot weather to vacation or see family members can lead to distractions, drowsiness, or falling asleep
• Summer holidays and weekends are times when many of us drink and drive. You don’t need to be intoxicated for alcohol to impair your driving and increase the risks that you and others will be injured or killed in an accident
• Heat causes fluid loss through sweat, which can lead to dehydration. If you’re driving, drink plenty of fluids to stay better relaxed and focused on the road. Combining heat and alcohol consumption increases the chances of dehydration
• High temperatures can cause you to feel fatigued, sluggish, or sleepy, especially on long drives

3. Sun Glare and Vision Problems

Intense sunlight, particularly at sunrise and sunset, can temporarily blind or obscure road hazards, traffic lights, and signs. Extended exposure to bright light without sunglasses can cause headaches or blurred vision.

4. Increased Vehicle Failure Risk

Engines run hot all the time. There are additional challenges when the outdoor temperature is hot, too, including the following:

• Overheated engines can leave drivers stranded in dangerous situations
• High temperatures increase the strain on batteries, cooling systems, and engines
• Heat boosts tire pressure, which is especially dangerous with older or worn tires, and tire blowouts may result in the loss of vehicle control
• Trailers or campers that are rarely driven may have unsafe brakes and tires
• High summer temperatures speed the wear and tear of rubber belts and hoses
• The loss of air conditioning may cause you to be uncomfortable and distracted

5. Heavy Summer Rains

Thunderstorms and sudden downpours often break the high heat and humidity. Wet roads and decreased traction can cause accidents.

• Worn tires on wet roads can result in hydroplaning, where your vehicle isn’t on the pavement but a thin layer of water, making steering or stopping difficult, if not impossible
• Wiper blades not up to clearing heavy rain off your windshield will lessen your ability to see ahead of you at a time when water on the road makes stopping more difficult
• You must slow down to drive safely when the road is wet because it’ll take a longer distance to come to a stop. The speed limit is set based on perfect, dry driving conditions during daylight

6. Construction Zones

Summer is the peak season for roadwork, which often includes lane shifts, narrowed lanes, and unexpected stops. Fatigued drivers may miss warning signs of construction work ahead and rear-end vehicles slowing down or stopping. Construction workers can also be victims of unsafe vehicles.

7. Pedestrians and Cyclists

More people walk, run, or bike in warm weather, creating additional hazards for drivers, especially in areas where tourism is a major industry.

Speak To a Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you consider these issues and take steps to prevent problems, you may avoid an accident. If another driver ignores the dangers summer driving can produce and causes an accident with you as a result, it may be negligence that can be the basis of an insurance claim or lawsuit against them seeking compensation for your losses.

If this happens to you or a loved one, Satterley & Kelley PLLC attorneys can help you take legal action. We will be with you every step of the way, protecting your best interests and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t deal with a serious injury alone.

Contact our Louisville office at 855-385-9532, locally 502-589-5600 to schedule a complimentary initial consultation and discuss your case. If it’s more convenient, you can also complete our contact form.