Do Summer Months Mean More Car Accidents?
For most of us, when we think of summer, we think of sunshine and swimming pools, longer days and warmer nights. Unfortunately, along with BBQs and beach days, the summer months also bring with an increase in the number of car accidents on our local roads and highways. In fact, August and September are typically the peak months for car accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Why do we see an increase in the number of auto accidents during the summer in Los Angeles? Experts cite a number of reasons, including:
1. Teens are out of school and on the roads during the summer.
The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16-19-year-olds than among any other age group and these accidents are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. Statistics show that during the summer teen drivers generally spend about 44% more time during the week driving than during the school year. What's more, the summer vacation period between Memorial Day and Labor Day has been called "The 100 Deadliest Days" for teen drivers. Nine of the 10 deadliest days for youth on U.S. highways fall between May and August. Combine increased road time with lack of experience and we have more auto accidents caused by teenage drivers. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident where a teenage driver was at fault, contact an experienced accident attorney to discuss your legal rights and potential for financial recovery.
2. Summer sun can increase the chances of vehicle equipment failure.
As the temperature outside climbs, especially in Los Angeles, it can impact a vehicle's operating equipment, most notably the tires. If a vehicle's tires are even just slightly worn out, hotter weather can cause the air inside of tires to expand, increasing the risk of tire blowouts and, in turn, traffic accidents. What's more, the glaring sun can lead to drivers looking away from the road for long enough to cause a serious auto accident.
3. More roadway construction in the summer.
Construction crews often take advantage of the summer weather by getting to work. With roadway construction zones seemingly all over the place, it’s common for there to also be:
- Shut down traffic lanes
- Detours
- Temporary signs or signals
Not surprisingly, these can increase the risk of collisions, especially for a distracted driver who is not paying attention to the road.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident by another driver's reckless or negligent driving, it's time to reach out to an experienced auto accident attorney to discuss your rights. Contact attorney Michael Ghozland at Ghozland Law Firm today for a free consultation and to discuss your potential for financial recovery.
