Warmer Weather Means More Auto Accidents
If you were to ask a group of people what time of the year has the most car accidents, the majority of the group would probably say during the winter months—especially in climates such as Illinois. Roads covered with snow, sleet, and ice, along with poor visibility, certainly contributes to many accidents, but statistics show that it is actually the summer months when motor vehicle accidents spike. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the month of May marks the beginning of the dangerous “summer” driving season
In 2015, the latest year for which national statistics are available, there were more than 35,000 people killed in vehicle accidents. Car crashes in the month of August claimed the most victims—over 3,300. In fact, from May through October, more than 3,000 crash-related fatalities occurred in each month.
Possible Causes
There are several factors that contribute to this spike in crashes. The first is that teenagers are out of school for summer break and that means more young drivers on the road. Unfortunately, many teen drivers lack the experience they need for safe driving, putting themselves—and others—at increased risk. The fatal crash rate per mile for teen drivers is more triple that of drivers aged 20 and over. The risk is especially high for those drivers who are 16 and 17 years of age.
Another factor which contributes to more accidents during the warmer seasons is the increase in the number of vehicles on the road, with many families taking to the nation’s highways for travel and vacation. In addition to the increased number of vehicles, there are also many drivers who travel through unfamiliar areas or are sightseeing, and this can cause dangerous slowdowns or erratic driving.
The warm weather also brings with it new road construction and repair projects, but it also leaves road workers and commuters in danger. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2007 and 2012, there were approximately 670 people killed each of those years in work zone driving accidents.
There are also more motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians out on the road during nicer weather. It is important for vehicle drivers to pay attention to these other road users in order to avoid serious or fatal crashes.
Seek Guidance for Your Case
If you have been injured in any type of motor vehicle accident, an experienced Kane County personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 630-907-0909 for a free consultation at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur, P.C. today. We will help you understand your available options and work with you in putting your life back on track.
Sources:
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/general-statistics/fatalityfacts/overview-of-fatality-facts/2015
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/teenagers/fatalityfacts/teenagers
https://www.esurance.com/info/car/dangers-of-summer-driving
