Why Car Accidents Increase During Summer in Kent and Burien

Why Car Accidents Increase During Summer in Kent and Burien

When the summer months come around, the frequency of car accidents increases. Some reasons for this are construction, more drivers on the road, driving under the influence or while fatigued, inexperienced or distracted driving, and heat-related problems.

During the summer months, there is an increase in the number of car accidents that happen. This is due to a variety of factors, such as heat, construction, and more people on the road. It means that people are more at risk of being injured in a car accident when they’re on the road during the summer. If you were injured in a car accident in Kent or Burien, Multani Law Group can help you get compensation to take care of yourself.

• More Drivers on the Road

  Summer is the time when families take to the road to go on vacation. This leads to a higher traffic density, especially around holidays such as the Fourth of July and Memorial Day Weekend. More cars on the road increase the likelihood of an accident due to congestion, stress, and slower traffic. Additionally, travelers may be unfamiliar with the area and could make errors that lead to accidents, such as last-minute lane changes, wrong turns, and paying more attention to the map than to the road. 

• Road Construction Projects

  It’s difficult to get some construction projects done when the weather is rainy. When the weather gets warmer, road maintenance and construction projects reach their peak. Construction causes lane closures, changes speed limits, delays, detours, and difficult-to-navigate areas. This means drivers must stay attentive and plan ahead to avoid accidents. Construction can lead to reduced visibility, confusion, congestion, and switching lanes that cause accidents. 

• Driving Under the Influence

  During the summer, people are more likely to stay out late and go to parties, bars, or clubs. This means that more people are drinking alcohol. This can lead people to drive recklessly and under the influence on the way home, especially at night. When people are drunk or even buzzed, they cannot make rational decisions and have poor reaction times. If they get behind the wheel, they could cause a major accident. It’s important for people to wait until they are sober, hire a transportation service, or have a friend drive them. 

• Driving While Fatigued

  Driving while fatigued is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Because the days are longer in summer, people stay out later. This means that they may end up driving home tired after a long day. When people are on trips, they may neglect to rest to get to their destination faster. Even a second of falling asleep while driving can have catastrophic consequences, and your reaction times are slower when you’re tired. It’s better to be safe and take nap breaks or stay somewhere overnight if need be. 

• Inexperienced Drivers

  Summer is a common time for teenagers to practice driving. They’re out of school, which means they have more time on the road. It’s no surprise that inexperienced drivers are more likely to get into car accidents. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there is a noticeable increase in the number of fatal accidents involving teenagers. 

• Distracted Driving

  Distracted driving is one of the main causes of car accidents throughout the year. It’s common for people to be on their phones while driving, which is highly dangerous. People text, choose music, look at Google maps, and even watch videos while behind the wheel. Other passengers in the vehicle can also be a distraction. Even a few seconds of distraction can cause an accident, and during the summer, people are more distracted than ever.

• Heat-Related Conditions

  Summer heat can take a toll on the human body, causing heat exhaustion and dehydration. When someone is on a long drive, these things can sneak up on them. Heat-related conditions can impair reaction time, increase fatigue, and cause cognitive impairment, which can lead to accidents. It’s important for drivers to stay hydrated and, if possible, have their air conditioner repaired. Drivers who notice themselves feeling ill from the heat should pull over and rest. 

• Mechanical Failures From Heat

  Heat can also cause car problems. Hot asphalt can build up friction with tires, causing blowouts. Tire blowouts can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle and make it shake dangerously. Car engines can also overheat in summer, causing stalling, engine overheating, and total mechanical failure. Car engine overheating causes many accidents and can leave drivers stranded in the heat. Drivers should make sure to maintain their vehicles, checking coolant and tire pressure levels. 

If you were injured in a car accident this summer, reach out to Multani Law Group. Our expert personal injury lawyers can help support you through the fight for justice. We will represent you and maximize the compensation you recover. Don’t hesitate to reach out so that we can stand up for your rights as an accident victim. Multani Law Group has an excellent track record of case results for our clients.