Six Other Reasons Why Car Accident Fatalities are High During the Summer

Reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that severe traffic accidents increase during the summer months. We all know that people tend to take more vacations during the summer, so that seems like the obvious cause for the increase in accidents and fatalities. 

But it is far from the only cause. An experienced Pensacola auto accident attorney looks at six other reasons why car accident fatalities are high during the summer. 

1) Motorcycle and Bicycle Traffic Increases

In the summer, more people get around on motorcycles and bicycles. A Pensacola auto accident attorney knows these vehicles do not offer riders much protection in a collision. For that reason, it is not surprising that injuries in bicycle and motorcycle accidents can be quite severe and even fatal.

2) More Inexperienced Drivers on the Road

With schools on vacation for the summer, the most inexperienced drivers—those in high school and college—have a lot more time to hit the road. Whether taking a trip or just visiting friends, the more time these young drivers are behind the wheel, the more accidents that are likely to result. A Pensacola auto accident lawyer often sees that the lack of driving experience combined with immature judgment can be deadly on the road. 

3) Additional Construction Zones and Other Road Hazards

Road construction and repair projects are often scheduled for the summer months. Lane closures, uneven surfaces, and unexpected changes in driving patterns can lead to an increase in accidents, often with fatal results. The effects of distracted driving can be particularly deadly in the tight quarters of a construction zone.

4) Tires Blow Out More Readily During the Summer

When a tire blows out, a car or truck can quickly spin out of control or come to a sudden stop, creating a dangerous situation for those in the vehicle and others on the road. The summertime heat can cause more blowouts because the hot air inside tires makes them expand, putting pressure on weak spots. Because blowouts tend to happen more on highways with high-speed traffic, a Pensacola auto accident lawyer knows the outcome can be especially deadly. 

5) Summer Holidays Lead to More Drinking and Driving

The 4th of July, Labor Day, and all those summer vacations are situations where people have a tendency to get behind the wheel after drinking, even when they do not during the rest of the year. The relaxed summer vibe causes many people to let down their guard and engage in unsafe behavior. In many years, alcohol-related fatal crashes during the summer months outnumber those in all other months combined.

6) Unsafe Practices

During the summer, people drive with the top down on convertibles, open windows, and may allow passengers to ride in unsafe places such as the open bed of a pickup truck. When the temperature soars, people are less inclined to strap themselves to a hot car seat. Failure to wear a seatbelt is one of the leading reasons an ordinary collision turns into a fatal car accident. 

A Pensacola Auto Accident Attorney Can Help After a Fatal Accident

After a fatal accident or any type of car accident, no amount of compensation can fully replace what you have lost. However, an experienced Pensacola auto accident attorney can help you find answers and a sense of justice, along with compensation to help meet your future needs. Contact the dedicated legal team at Searcy Denney to find out how we could help.