BY KEVIN SAWYER – When everyone thinks of dangerous times to be driving, most leap to the brutal New England and Midwest winters. Not so, according to insurance industry research. More fatal driving accidents occur in July, August and September than at any other time of the year regardless of where you live.
Perhaps one of the most foremost hazards of summer driving are the teenagers. They really are a danger to everyone. They are out of school, their reflexes and judgment are not fully developed yet, and they are the most distracted drivers on the road. They lack the experience and statistics continue to bear out that teens are involved in more crashes than any other age group.
Another major summer hazard is all of us trying to get away for a long weekend or that long awaited vacation. Vacation drivers means the roads will be rather clogged from time to time and those headed for some down time tend to be impatient and inattentive. Also, AAA states that having tires blow out is a major summer hazard and happens more frequently than people suspect. The hot air expands the air in the tires and a blow out is just a hairpin turn or quick braking situation away.
Finally, there is always more construction during the summer and many more bicycles and motorcycles during the good weather. Construction is never to be taken lightly as the CDC reports that around 700 fatal accidents happen every year around road construction sites. That number is about the same for accidents involving people on bicycles. Trying to maneuver around them can get tricky and often things don’t go as planned.
The summer is a great time of the year to be getting outside taking some time off and relaxing but it can also pose hazards and dangers that are not around at any other time of the year.
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