Spike in Temperature Causes Rise in Car Accidents

There is a reason why the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are called the 100 Deadly Days of Summer. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety warns motorists that the risk for car accidents is greater during the summer than any other time of year. While the winter months can cause hazardous road conditions caused by snow and freezing rain, the summer is actually more dangerous when it comes to car accidents. If motorists understand the reasons for this spike in summer accidents, the more likely they can take proactive steps to avoid them.

Reasons for Summer Car Accidents

• School is out: This means that there is an influx of inexperienced, teen drivers on the road. This increases the risk of collisions, particularly since teens are also more likely to talk on their phone, or read or send a text, compared to older drivers. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the number of fatal car crashes involving drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 increases by approximately 16 percent during the summer.
• Extreme heat can cause vehicle equipment failure: High temperatures can cause the air inside the tires to expand, which can increase the risk of dangerous blowouts.
• Increase in construction projects: More roadway construction is done during the summer so that crews can take advantage of the warmer weather. However, this can cause unexpected detours, lane shutdowns, and other changes to driving conditions. If motorists are distracted, drowsy, or speeding, they can cause dangerous accidents.
• Heavy traffic: People tend to take vacations during the summer months, which means that more motorists are on the road trying to get to their destination. When traffic is heavy, drivers often become frustrated and are more likely to become aggressive or resort to road rage. Travelers who are unfamiliar with the area may drive too slow, become distracted, or make last minute turns, which can cause car accidents.
• Drunk driving: From graduation parties to pool parties, many of these events often involve alcoholic beverages. This can cause an increase in drunk driving accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of fatal car accidents doubles during the summer months.
• Extreme heat can impact drivers: High heat and humidity can cause drivers to become dehydrated and drowsy. As a result, their reaction time suffers and their judgement may be impacted, which can increase the risk of being in a car accident.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Summer Car Accidents

If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a car accident during the summer months, it is in your best interest to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will determine who is responsible for causing the accident and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. We will walk you through every step of the claims process and ensure that your legal rights are protected. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.