Why There Can be a Higher Risk of Car Crashes in the Summertime

Drivers need to be cautious behind the wheel, no matter what time of year. That said, it is still important to be aware of the kinds of hazards you may be more likely to encounter during the summertime.

For example, teenagers are out of school for summer vacation so you may encounter more of them on the roads. Teenagers do not have much experience driving and they are more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors, like texting and driving and speeding.

During the summer you may also encounter people who are on vacation or on their way home. They may be unsure of where they are going, so they may try to change lanes without much warning, or they may be overly cautious. They may slam on the brakes with little warning for the drivers behind them.

Below, our experienced attorneys discuss some of the dangers of driving in the summertime and how to avoid them. It is important to remember that many of the crashes caused by these dangers were the result of driver negligence. Victims of these crashes may be eligible to seek compensation for their damages.

The licensed Maryland auto accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl are prepared to help you through the legal process, and we do not charge upfront fees.

Liability for a Summertime Car Crash

No two crashes are exactly alike, but most crashes are the result of driver negligence, such as speeding, tailgating, distracted driving, impaired driving or violating another driver’s right of way. If you were injured in a crash during the summertime or any other time of year, it was very likely the result of driver negligence.

If you think another driver is to blame, you may be eligible to seek compensation for the cost of treating your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.

Unfortunately, Maryland is one of a handful of states that has a contributory negligence law. If the victim is even one percent at fault, he or she is barred from receiving compensation.

We know many crash victims think they may be responsible for the crash in some small way. However, they are often mistaken, and you should not take the insurance company’s word for it about your role in a crash. They want you to think you are at fault, even if that might not be true. That way they do not have to pay compensation.

Dangers of Driving in the Summertime

The biggest danger when you get behind the wheel is other drivers. No matter how cautious you are, it only takes one negligent driver to cause a crash. During the summer, a lot of these other drivers are teenagers or people who are going on vacation or returning from a vacation.

Why Teenage Drivers are Dangerous

Drivers can be dangerous no matter their age, but teenagers are often more dangerous. They do not have much experience, which can cause them to take unnecessary risks. They may not always pay attention as much as they should. They live their lives on social media and they often do not get off their phones just because they are driving.

Teenagers have not been driving for very long, and because of that they often do not anticipate dangerous situations and react accordingly. For example, they may not slow down or alter their driving in the rain or because of other inclement weather. They may not take extra precautions when driving through road construction.

Drivers Who Are on Vacation

Drivers who are returning from vacation may be at the end of a long road trip. They may be tired and act as if they are on autopilot. They may relax and not be as cautious as they should be because they are in familiar territory. They may tailgate other vehicles, speed, change lanes without signaling, fail to maintain their lane, or run red lights.

You may also encounter drivers who are on vacation. They can be dangerous because they are in an unfamiliar place, they may not know exactly where they are going, they may be distracted by their phones or GPS devices, and they slow down or change lanes without much warning.

If you see another driver slowing down randomly or appearing to drive erratically, steer clear of them. Slow down or change lanes to get away from them. Avoid tailgating and speeding and stay off your phone. You need to remain alert so you can react quickly to potentially avoid a collision.

Pedestrians Who are Distracted

No matter the time of year, you need to be cautious when driving in downtown areas and other locations with a lot of pedestrians. They do not always pay as much attention as they should. They may try to cross the street without looking for cars or they may jaywalk.

If you are a pedestrian in the summertime, be cautious in places where there is a lot of foot traffic and vehicle traffic. Always check for cars before crossing the street, use marked crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers before you cross the street.

You may also encounter more bicyclists, as more people like to ride bicycles in warmer weather. Unfortunately, bicyclists can be just as carefree as pedestrians and put themselves in harm’s way. Be careful when opening your door to prevent a dooring crash, where a bicyclist crashes into a door. Make sure to give riders space when you pass them.

Were You Injured in a Collision? Contact Us Today

The aftermath of a car crash can be chaotic, leaving victims unsure of what to do next. If you are considering your legal options, or are unsure if you may have a case, give us a call. We can schedule a free legal consultation where an experienced attorney can review your accident.

If you have a case and you decide to work with our firm, we do not charge any fees before taking your case or while investigating and pursuing compensation.

Experienced Attorneys. Proven Results. Call today: 410-401-9979.