American are revving up for summer vacation in a big way. According to recent data, nearly 85% of folks in this country intend to travel this year – and many of them will be heading to their destinations in motor vehicles.
While most people tend to think of winter as the time to be super cautious on the road, the reality is that summer travel can be incredibly dangerous. Just a few of the hazards of summer driving are detailed below.
Significant road congestion
One of the most obvious sources of danger is the congestion on the roads. In bad weather, more people tend to limit their road trips to mostly necessary travel. In good weather, however, you can see all kinds of people out there on the roads, just enjoying their time in the sun. Unfortunately, that does make the roads more crowded, and crowded roads can easily lead to accidents.
Lots of construction zones
Depending on where you live, you may consider the orange traffic cone your state flower – and you’ll see plenty of those in the summer. Construction zones tend to pop up very suddenly in high-volume areas, which is dangerous for both drivers and workers. Distracted drivers may not slow down appropriately, while other drivers may simply get confused by mandatory lane changes and closed exits.
More motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians
This is another warm-weather hazard that cannot be discounted if you’re out there on the roads. In addition to heavy traffic wherever you happen to be, you may encounter a bigger variety of road users than you see during cold weather. You have to exert more mental effort to make sure that you spot smaller vehicles – like motorcycles and bikes – and people who may or may not remember to use a crosswalk.
Brand new teenage drivers
The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is called “the 100 deadliest days of summer” for a reason – and that’s because a lot of newly licensed teen drivers are set loose on the streets now that school is out for the season. They’re three times as likely to end up in deadly crashes than more-seasoned adult drivers, which means that other drivers also need to be cautious.
Ultimately, you simply have to do your best to be cautious out there on the roads this summer, and that means recognizing where the risks lie. If you are involved in a wreck, make sure that you seek legal guidance proactively in order to better safeguard your rights and interests.