Summer Is the Most Dangerous Season for Driving

 Posted on June 29, 2017 in Personal Injury

Summer is vacation season, which means that more people are on the road taking long trips. Unfortunately, the inevitable result of this increase in driving is more deaths from car accidents. In a study analyzing fatal car crashes between 1998 and 2014, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that summer and early fall are the most dangerous times of the year for drivers.

More Driving Means More Fatalities

With more cars on the road during the summer, the likelihood of deadly accidents increases. The IIHS found that fatal accidents are more likely to occur on weekends than on weekdays, and late afternoons and evenings are the times of the day when the highest number of deaths occur. The deadliest month of the year is August, which is the month in which Americans travel the most miles.

While the average number of deaths per year has declined during the years analyzed by the study, these patterns remain the same—with more deaths from car crashes occurring on the days and times in which more people are on the road.

Holidays can be especially deadly, since people often consume more alcohol during celebrations, resulting in fatalities from drunk driving accidents. The IIHS has found that the Fourth of July is the deadliest day of the year for car accidents, and six of the 10 days with the most deaths each year occur on holidays or days near holidays.

A Dangerous Season for Teen Drivers

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens, and summer is an especially dangerous time for teen drivers. According to the National Safety Council, the 100 days following Memorial Day is the time of the year in which the most teen automobile fatalities occur. This is due to factors such as teens carrying multiple passengers in their cars, their likelihood of staying out later at night, and more drivers being on the road during the summer.

Teens are also especially vulnerable to distractions such as loud music and using cell phones while driving. Distracted driving accidents have been on the rise in recent years, and parents should instruct teens on how to remain safe while driving.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

During the dangerous summer months, you are more likely than ever to be involved in a serious car accident. If you suffered an injury in an accident, make sure you are represented by an attorney who understands your rights.

At Martoccio & Martoccio, we can represent you if you have been involved in a car accident and help you get compensated for any injuries that you suffer. Contact one of our DuPage County personal injury attorneys, and we will work with you to protect your rights and help you through this difficult time.

Sources:

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/52/3/2

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/39/6/1

http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/stevens/ct-wednesday-balancing-100-deadly-days-0524-20170524-column.html