For many, the summer months are a time of excitement and relaxation as families across the country pack their bags and hit the road for vacation. School is out, people are traveling, and there are more motorists sharing the road at the same time. This is one of the many reasons why there is an increase of motor vehicle accidents during the summer months. In fact, many experts call the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day the “100 deadliest days of summer.”
Statistics show that your chance of being involved in a car accident is much higher on a holiday. This includes the summer, in addition to Christmas, New Year’s Eve and other single days throughout the year. Whether you are traveling on vacation, going to work, running errands or on the road for another reason, it is in your interests to learn more about how to stay safe during this time of year and what you can do to ensure that you do not face exposure to unnecessary risks.
Are you in danger?
With an increased number of drivers on the road, the chance of accidents increases. While there are many reasons that crashes occur, driver behavior and errors are the most common factors that contribute to these events. Many accidents that leave innocent individuals with serious injuries are the result of alcohol consumption. Drinking tends to increase during the summer, and drivers are much more likely to drive after drinking during the holidays. An intoxicated driver is always a dangerous driver.
Distracted driving is also a factor that contributes to a higher chance of a crash during the holidays. Drivers who look away from the road, even if it is only for a few seconds at a time, have a higher chance of being in a crash. Overall, the summer is a risky time for all motorists because more motorists are sharing the road, looking at their phones and possibly engaging in other types of risky behavior.
Your recovery after an accident
If you are the victim of an accident caused by a reckless or negligent driver, you have legal options available to you. It is possible you may have grounds for a civil claim, a process that provides you the opportunity to fight for justice and seek appropriate compensation for the losses you experienced. It may be helpful for you to seek an assessment of your case in order to understand the ideal course of action for your individual situation.
