When thinking of treacherous times to travel, most of us assume that Winter with its icy roads and its early nightfall would hold the record for the majority of car accidents causing severe injury and death.
Surprisingly, this is not the case. More people are killed or injured in auto accidents during the summer months, especially in August, than the during the cold, snowy winter months.
Why Would Summer Be More Dangerous on Virginia’s Highways?
There are more vehicles on the road. Summer months allow for more free time for most people. More free time means that many people travel or just “get out” more than they do during winter. Many families vacation in the South. Interstates 81 and 95 are popular routes for residents of highly populated areas in Northern Virginia and the Ohio Valley to take to Myrtle Beach, Charleston, SC, Atlanta, GA and to sunny Florida. Congested roadways lead to accidents.
But Interstates are not the only roadways that see an increase in the number of accidents. Local roadways become busier as well due to the fact that teen drivers, who would normally be in school are out on the roads in full force. These young, inexperienced drivers have more more time on their hands and unfortunately, more time to get out on the roads and possibly cause serious accidents. Teen drivers also fall victim to distraction, whether by talk or text on phones or when driving with friends in the vehicle. Please remember, Virginia law prohibits teens from having more than one passenger in your vehicle under the age of 21 unless a licensed adult is sitting in the passenger seat. Exceptions to this law are made in case of emergency.
And of course, when it rains…. it pours. Blame it on climate change…. or not, rainfall has changed in Southwest Virginia. Serious downpours occur with little to no warning, causing flash flooding and dangerous road conditions. Many accidents that occur in summer are due to hydroplaning and poor visibility brought on by sudden heavy rainfall. Remember to drive proactively, keep windshield wipers, brakes, and headlights in good working condition and stay informed. Always drive at a safe speed for road conditions and double your following distance when conditions deteriorate. If conditions worsen, pull over in a safe location and wait out the storm.
Rain, though isn’t the only weather-related issue when it comes to summer driving. Prolonged high temperatures can cause the air in your tires to expand, making blowouts more likely. Check your tires air pressures before you begin the first note of “On the Road Again”.
Just like teen drivers, you’ll see more motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians on the road. Use extra caution when you encounter any of these. When you pass a cyclist, be sure to allow no less than 3 feet between you and the cyclist.
Even though summer can be dangerous on the roadways, it doesn’t have to be. Take precautions and avoid distractions while driving to minimize your chances or being in a fatal or serious car accident. If it happens anyway, and you or a loved one is injured due to someone else’s negligence, call The Thomson Law Firm for a FREE consultation. (540) 777-4900
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