The Barnes Firm

Five Reasons Car Accidents Rise During the Summer

• July 1, 2019
• Sandy

LOS ANGELES — Summer is many people’s favorite time of year and understandably so. The days are filled with copious sunshine, swimming, and cookouts. But our best car accident lawyers in Los Angeles are warning Californians that summer can also mean a more dangerous experience on the roads.

Each year in California and around the country, traffic accidents tend to increase in the summer months, with car accidents often reaching their annual peak in August and September. Below are five reasons why more car accidents tend to occur during the summer.

1. Students are on break.

One factor leading to higher numbers of car accidents during the summer is summer break. Most schools in the U.S. close out the school year during late May or early June and begin a new school year in August. While teenagers are not in school, they’re spending more time on the roads and becoming involved in more crashes. In fact, the span of days between Memorial Day and Labor Day is referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days” in terms of teen driving accidents.

2. Inclement weather occurs.

Sunny days rule the summer, but this time of year also brings severe storms. Inclement weather always increases the odds of traffic accidents. The Barnes Firm’s best car accident lawyers in Los Angeles have discovered that even light rain can significantly raise the risks of car accidents, and the summer months have been known to produce some of the most serious thunderstorms around the country.

In addition, those sunny days can also lead to car accidents. Sun glares can easily blind motorists and cause them to lose control or collide with another vehicle. Drivers may also experience sun fatigue that can be dangerous for driving.

3. Temperatures rise.

Hotter temperatures can have serious effects on vehicle performance. Cars have to work overtime in the heat to maintain safe engine temperatures, on top of powering air conditioners nonstop. Warm weather can also influence a car’s tires. Tires tend to expand in the heat, which can easily lead to blowouts in worn tires. Any type of mechanical failure in a car can result in an accident.

4. Construction ramps up.

Swimming season is also construction season. Road projects are well underway in the summer, as crews try to complete their work before cold weather returns. Construction-related lane closures usually lead to traffic congestion, especially at rush hour in urban areas, during which rear-end collisions tend to occur in higher numbers.

Changes in roadway navigation due to construction can also lead to drivers becoming confused or losing control. Speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving can become even more likely to lead to serious accidents inside of construction zones.

5. People take vacations.

Many people plan vacations during the summer months, which puts more vehicles to the roads. Studies show that car accidents occur at higher rates during times of higher travel. Simply because more people are out driving, accidents are statistically more likely to occur. A Los Angeles car accident lawyer says tourism can also cause car accidents because drivers are unsure where they’re going or are not aware of local traffic rules.

Stay Safe This Summer

You can enjoy your summer while staying safe on the roads by following some simple steps. Pay attention to all speed limits and road signs, keep your cell phone tucked away, use extra caution while driving during inclement weather and inside of construction zones, and make sure you’re on schedule for all vehicle maintenance. In addition, when you’re traveling this summer, plan ahead by doing a little research about the laws and roadways at your destination.

Unfortunately, even the safest drivers can find themselves on the wrong side of an accident. If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligent actions, you can count on The Barnes Firm to help you. Our best car accident lawyers in Los Angeles can go over your case with you for FREE — and explain what legal processes could help you get the best result possible from a personal injury claim.

Get in touch with our attorneys online, or call us anytime for a FREE case evaluation.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000