Summer Driving Concerns 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an agency of the Department of Transportation, recently offered “Summer Driving Tips” that it believes may help motorists prevent having to deal with a car breakdown or highway crash. 

According to the NHTSA, summer changes may pose certain difficulties for the continued operation of a motor vehicle. For example, air conditioning systems may need to “work harder” to keep the vehicle cool, which can be a major concern for those who are sensitive to heat. Thus, the NHTSA recommends that air conditioner health be checked before traveling. This can prevent the risk of heatstroke, because the temperature in a vehicle can rise rapidly during summer months.  

To allay these kinds of concerns, pack an emergency kit, advises the NHTSA. This kit may include jumper cables, a flashlight, emergency flat-tire repair and/or a spare tire, gloves, blankets and towels, a hazard triangle, road flares, a brightly colored distress sign, screwdrivers and wrenches, water, and a first-aid kit, among other things. 

Summer months can also pose issues for belts and hoses, whose degradation can be accelerated. For this reason, the NHTSA recommends that motorists inspect belts and hoses for such signs and replace them if they are obviously worn.  

According to crash statistics from the NHTSA, the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled is usually higher during the third quarter (July through September). Other statistics for the years 2020 and 2021 demonstrate a pronounced increase in fatalities during the summer months. In fact, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days”, according to AAA, because it typically is when more teenagers are involved in fatal crashes. Summer is a good time for parents to model safe driving behaviors, including following the speed limit, wearing a seat belt, and not becoming distracted.  

Car Accident Laywers Serving New York State

Sometimes, despite all of the precautions and no matter the season, it is not possible to avoid a motor vehicle collision on New York roads. That is because some drivers fail to follow the rules of the road. If you’re injured in a car accident and are seeking an experienced attorney, please do not hesitate to contact the car accident injury lawyers at William Mattar P.C.  Our team is available 24/7. Call (844) 444-4444.