Summer road trips are a quintessential part of the American experience, offering the perfect opportunity to explore new places, spend time with family and friends, and create lasting memories. However, as millions of people take to the highways during the summer months, the increased traffic and varied driving conditions also contribute to a rise in car accidents. The risks associated with summer driving can be minimized with proper preparation, awareness, and adherence to safety tips. This article explores the joys of summer road trips, the heightened risk of car accidents, and the key safety measures to take before and during your journey.
Unfortunately, no matter how safe you are, there is always the risk of another driver who operates in a negligent or reckless manner. If you are injured in a crash, contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to speak to one of our Norfolk car accident lawyers.
The Appeal of Summer Road Trips
For many, summer is synonymous with adventure. Whether it’s a cross-country road trip to national parks, a visit to the beach, or a weekend getaway to a nearby city, road trips provide a sense of freedom and excitement. The open road offers travelers the chance to explore scenic routes, discover hidden gems, and connect with loved ones. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), road trips are one of the most popular forms of vacation, with over 100 million Americans expected to take a road trip each summer.
Beyond the fun and excitement, road trips allow travelers to experience the country in a way that flying cannot provide. You can take detours, stop at roadside attractions, and explore places off the beaten path. The flexibility and spontaneity of road trips make them an ideal choice for many people looking to get away during the summer months.
The Increased Risk of Car Accidents During Summer
While summer road trips are an enjoyable tradition, they come with a greater risk of car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic fatalities tend to spike during the summer months, particularly between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This period, known as the “100 Deadly Days of Summer,” sees an increase in the number of accidents and fatalities due to several factors.
Increased Traffic Volume
One of the most significant factors contributing to summer road accidents is the sheer number of people on the road. With schools out for the summer, families embark on vacations, and college students travel for internships, weddings, or other events. Highways, local roads, and even rural routes experience a higher volume of vehicles, which increases the likelihood of accidents. The congestion makes it more difficult to maneuver, heightening the chance of collisions, especially during rush hours or holiday weekends.
Distracted Driving
During long drives, especially on scenic routes, drivers can become distracted by passengers, GPS devices, or mobile phones. Texting, taking photos, and playing with in-car technology contribute to distracted driving, which is one of the leading causes of accidents. According to the CDC, distracted driving accounts for nearly 9 deaths every day in the U.S. During the summer, when people are more likely to engage in such behaviors, the risk of an accident increases.
Drunk Driving
Alcohol consumption is another factor that increases the risk of summer accidents. Summer holidays such as the Fourth of July and Labor Day often involve celebrations where alcohol is consumed. Unfortunately, some drivers make the dangerous decision to get behind the wheel while impaired, which can lead to devastating consequences. NHTSA reports that approximately 28 people die every day in drunk-driving crashes, and this number tends to increase during the summer months when alcohol consumption is higher.
Weather Conditions
While summer weather is typically conducive to driving, it can also present hazards. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and even wildfires in certain regions can create dangerous road conditions. Wet roads, reduced visibility, and flooding increase the likelihood of accidents, particularly if drivers are unprepared or don’t adjust their speed to accommodate changing conditions. The summer heat can also lead to overheated vehicles and tire blowouts, which can cause accidents if the car breaks down unexpectedly.
Fatigue and Long Hours on the Road
Many people push themselves to drive long hours during summer road trips to make the most of their vacation time. However, fatigue can impair a driver’s ability to concentrate, react to potential hazards, and make good decisions. Driving while drowsy is a serious problem, as research indicates that it is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Drivers should take regular breaks, rotate driving duties with other passengers, and get enough rest before embarking on long trips to avoid the dangers of fatigue.
Essential Safety Tips for Summer Road Trips
To ensure a safe and enjoyable road trip, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions before hitting the road. Below are some essential safety tips that can help minimize the risks associated with summer driving.
Perform Vehicle Maintenance
Before embarking on any road trip, make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. A thorough inspection should include checking tire pressure, oil levels, brake functionality, and windshield wipers. Having your vehicle serviced can prevent unexpected breakdowns, especially during long trips in hot weather. Ensure that your car’s cooling system is functioning well to avoid overheating, which can be a common issue during the summer months.
Pack an Emergency Kit
No one plans for an emergency, but it’s always wise to be prepared. Pack a road trip emergency kit with items like a first aid kit, jumper cables, flashlight, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, and a spare tire. Having these essentials on hand can help you manage unexpected situations until help arrives.
Avoid Distractions
Stay focused on the road by limiting distractions. This means avoiding texting, checking social media, or fiddling with the car’s entertainment system while driving. If you need to make a call, use hands-free technology or pull over to a safe location before using your phone. Encourage passengers to keep conversations light and not distract the driver, especially in high-traffic areas.
Stay Sober and Alert
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It’s important to designate a sober driver if you plan to drink during your road trip or make alternative transportation arrangements. Additionally, stay alert and well-rested. If you’re feeling fatigued, pull over and take a nap or switch drivers to stay safe.
Follow the Speed Limit
While it’s tempting to speed on open highways to reach your destination faster, speeding increases the likelihood of accidents, especially in adverse conditions. Obey posted speed limits, especially in areas with construction zones or unfamiliar roads. Driving at a safe speed allows for better control of the vehicle and gives you time to react to unexpected hazards.
Plan Your Route and Take Breaks
Planning your route ahead of time will help you avoid getting lost and wasting time. Use a GPS or map to navigate, but always have a backup plan in case of signal issues. Plan rest stops along the way to stretch your legs and avoid fatigue. These breaks can also help you rehydrate and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis, which can develop from sitting for prolonged periods.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help?
A car accident attorney can help ensure you receive the insurance coverage you need to pay for your medical expenses, from initial emergency care to long-term rehabilitation. We will negotiate with the insurance providers involved and help you pursue compensation for all your losses, including lost wages and lost future wages as well as pain and suffering. If you are unable to return to work, we can help make sure you are compensated for that as well.
Contact our firm today for a free initial consultation. We can help make sure your settlement covers all the medical care you need, as we did for one client who suffered neck and back injuries in a car crash. We helped her recover $100,000 in a full-policy coverage insurance settlement.
Find our offices in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, and Norfolk.
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Since 1984, Jim St. Clair has fought and helped Virginia Beach personal injury clients overcome some of the most traumatic moments of their lives. Whether you have been in an accident caused by the fault of another or a victim of medical malpractice, the results can leave you profoundly damaged physically, mentally, and economically. You may be entitled to substantial compensation. Jim is a seasoned and experienced personal injury trial attorney with 40 years of experience. He graduated with honors from Creighton University School of Law in 1984 and then served in a prestigious federal law clerk position for the late U.S. District Judge J. Calvitt Clarke, Jr., in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Over several decades, Jim has enjoyed remarkable success advocating for injured clients and has won notable multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts. He has tried cases in Virginia General District and Circuit Court and in the Eastern and Western District Virginia Federal Court. In one case that went up on appeal to the Supreme Court of Virginia, he convinced the court to change the law regarding the statute of limitations in Virginia medical malpractice “misdiagnosis” cases. Jim’s areas of Virginia personal injury law practice include medical malpractice, car and truck injury cases, dog bite injuries, and cases involving negligence at business premises. Within these areas of law, he has also successfully prosecuted numerous wrongful death actions. Outside the courtroom, Jim has served on the board of directors of the Better Business Bureau, taught as an adjunct professor for business law at Old Dominion University, instructed future paralegals at the American Institute of Paralegal Studies, and lectured Virginia attorneys on the subject of “insurance litigation in Virginia.” He is a member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and the Virginia Beach Bar Association. If you have been impacted by the negligence of another, contact Jim St. Clair today for a free, confidential personal injury law consultation.
