Summer Driving Dangers

The month of August has the second highest number of fatal car accidents with 3,037, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). June, July, and September each account for over 2,800 fatal car accidents. Here are some reasons why this is the case and some of the top summertime driving dangers.

• More Teen Drivers on the Road: When school is out, more teen drivers hit the road. Data reveals teens are more likely to be involved in auto accidents than any other age group.
• Drivers on Vacation and Road Congestion: During the summer months, Florida is a vacation hot-spot for thousands of tourists, increasing the likelihood of accidents on the road. Car accidents, truck accidents and pedestrian accidents often occur during this time as a result of drivers’ unfamiliarity with Florida roadways, traffic patterns and unsafe driving behaviors.
• Tire Blowouts: The summer heat can do a number on your vehicle’s tires. Hot weather causes the air in your tires to expand, which can lead to a blowout if your tires are worn down. Check your tire pressure on a regular basis (particularly during the summer months) to prevent this. Regular vehicle maintenance, including tune-ups, oil changes, battery checks and tire rotations can go a long way when it comes to preventing breakdowns and accidents on the highway.
• Road Construction: The summer is a popular time for road construction. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that construction and maintenance work zones averaged 773 driving fatalities per year from 2005 to 2014.
• More Bicycles and Motorcycles on the Road: Many cyclists and bikers take advantage of the warm weather by getting their bikes out of the garage and onto the roads. Motorists driving alongside cyclists can make traffic maneuvers, from turning right to parallel parking, more dangerous. The IIHS reports that 720 cyclists were involved in fatal accidents with motor vehicles in 2014 alone.
• Sun and Extreme Heat. Rising temperatures combined with the humidity can cause frustration and fatigue. Keep a bottle of water handy. The chance of your engine overheating also increases during the summer months. If your engine overheats, pull over immediately and let it cool down.
• Drunk Driving Accidents and Fatalities: The Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day are among the top six most dangerous holidays, according to the National Safety Council. AAA anticipates over 110 million Americans will travel between Memorial Day and Labor Day – that is more than one third of the entire country. If you are among this group, plan ahead and have a designated driver.
• Rainy Weather Conditions:The summer months in Florida can bring torrential downpours of rain almost daily, oftentimes in the afternoons. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles report that more than 32,460 car accidents are caused as a result of wet and slippery road conditions. The majority of these accidents are caused by a driver’s inability to stop, stay on the road and avoid a collision with another vehicle. Motorists can be proactive in preventing car accidents during the rainy summer months in Florida. Accidents can be avoided with the proper automobile maintenance and careful driving. Make sure your tires and windshield wipers are in good working condition. Florida drivers who fail to adjust their driving because of inclement weather conditions and are involved in an accident can be held liable for injury to others and property damage.

Be Safe On The Roads This Summer!

At the Law Firm of Michael T. Gibson, P.A., we want you to stay safe on the roads this summer and year around. If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, it is important that you contact an experienced Orlando Auto Accident Lawyer immediately. The damages from a serious car accident are not always covered in a settlement from your insurance company. Many times, the initial settlement offer is barely enough to cover the basic costs associated with your accident.Our auto accident attorneys are well equipped and armed with years of legal experience helping people file auto insurance claims. We can help you obtain full compensation for your medical bills, future medical treatment, loss of wages, property damage, pain and suffering, etc. Call 407-422-4529 or fill out the contact form on this page to discuss your legal options in greater detail.