Some Reasons Car Accidents May Happen More in Summer
Summer is finally here, and like many New Yorkers, you're probably ready to travel Manhattan's busy streets or along the winding roads of upstate NY. Before you hit the road, though, you may want to brush up on defensive driving and pay more attention as you travel – many car accidents happen in the summer months. Understanding where and why can help you avoid a painful collision.
More Students Are out of School and On the Roads
Students home from college and high schoolers out for the summer tend to hit the roads with their friends this time of year. These younger drivers have the highest incidence of involvement in car accidents than any other demographic.
Distracted driving, including texting or taking selfies while driving, is a major cause of many accidents. Other contributing factors include general driver inexperience and overestimation of their abilities.
Road Construction is More Common In the Summer
Road crews are already set up along the roads of New York. Summer is a common time for repairs and expansions, but these work zones can be a danger zone. Confusing detours, traffic that is funneled into fewer lanes, and workers on foot can all contribute to an accident. Impatient drivers trying to get around the slow flow of traffic may make unsafe driving decisions, such as passing illegally or driving on the shoulder of the road.
Increase In Leisure Travel and Tourism
New York is beautiful this time of year, and you may notice that your community is filling with excited visitors. People who are unfamiliar with the roads when traveling can sometimes become distracted, whether by attempting to follow GPS directions or simply not being familiar with the flow of traffic in your community.
Confusion with directions or simply the stress of traveling can lead to "road rage" and impulsive driving decisions for many travelers. Other times, natives to the area may become frustrated with the slow moving, possibly lost tourist and make their own risky decisions, such as passing illegally or following too closely.
There Are More Bicyclists and Pedestrians On the Roads
Summer is a great time to break out the bike or motorcycle and enjoy a leisurely ride. Cyclists and bikers are more vulnerable in a collision than someone driving a car or truck, and accidents in these cases are serious and sometimes fatal.
Pedestrians are also more common in summer months, including children playing outside. Be careful to follow the rules of the road, including stop and yield signs, both as a driver and as a traveler on foot.
Summer Heat May Lead to More Vehicle Malfunctions
Vehicle malfunctions are common in the summer months. This includes wear and tear on tires, leading to blowouts that can swiftly cause injury. Other common car issues include engine overheating. This may not be an immediate cause for a crash, but if your car or one driving nearby overheats, a panicked driver may try to pull over without thoroughly checking to see if they safely can.
More Drivers May Not Be in a Condition to Drive
Summer is filled with several long weekends full of barbecues, water activities, and drinking. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day long weekends are busy transit times. Although most drivers know the dangers of drinking and driving, the fact is, some disregard the risk, putting us all at risk.
If You've Been in a Car Accident This Summer
Regardless of the cause of your car accident, there are a few things to remember if you or a loved one have been involved in a collision this summer. Be sure to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you were hurt. Some injuries are only found by a medical professional, while others may not show up right away. Left untreated, conditions such as whiplash can lead to persistent medical complaints.
File a police report. While some "fender benders" are sometimes handled by the drivers simply exchanging insurance information, having a police report protects you in case the at-fault driver's insurance company balks at your claim. Police officers are trained to determine the cause of an accident, so this documentation is important.
Your Rights After a Car Accident
If you were not at fault for the car accident, then you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. Our experienced car accident lawyers at William Mattar, can help you pursue your claim. Insurance companies try to settle fast, but William Mattar and his team will fight for you to receive the full compensation you're entitled to. Give us a call today to discuss your case.