The depths of winter, obviously, can bring treacherous driving conditions. When drivers have to deal with ice, snowstorms or freezing rain, the chances of a crash go up. What many people do not realize, however, is that the height of summer can also see an increase in accidents.
As we move toward summer, it’s important to consider how days full of sun, heat and humidity can affect road safety.
1. Increased alcohol consumption is a problem
One of the biggest contributing factors in crashes over the summer is alcohol. Outdoor events, from barbecues among friends to concerts in the park, can all result in people who drink and then drive home afterward. This is a particular problem on major public holidays, such as July 4 and Labor Day – both of which have evolved into a “drinking” holidays.
2. Late nights and high humidity can both cause tiredness
The long summer days allow people to pack in a lot, and events often run late into the night. Making the most of summer can lead to drivers reaching a point where they have built up a significant sleep deficit. The high humidity the Greenfield area often experiences can worsen the feeling of tiredness. Some drivers might cause a crash because they fall asleep at the wheel, while others might do so because fatigue has slowed their reactions.
3. Young drivers are out on the road in bigger numbers
When the kids are out of school for the summer, they have more time to go places in their cars and more things to go to. As they are the most inexperienced drivers per age group, it’s no surprise that they are the cause of many summer crashes.
Uncovering the cause of a crash is not always straightforward, so experienced legal guidance is recommended for anyone who is injured in one and needs to claim compensation.
