While it is commonly thought that driving during the winter is riskier, the truth is that there are also many hazards associated with going in the summer, making it equally as dangerous as driving during the winter. That said, motorists must be aware of the unique challenges of summertime, as there is an increased likelihood of severe accidents and injuries. If you are injured in an auto accident, contact a skilled Bronx Car Accident Lawyer who can help you seek reasonable compensation for your damages. Please continue reading to learn about the most common summer driving safety hazards in New York.
What summer driving safety hazards should I be aware of?
It would be best if you took certain precautions when driving during summer to prevent severe accidents and injuries. The following are some of the most common summer driving safety hazards you should look out for:
- Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists: In the summer, more people want to be outside and enjoy the nice weather. This means vehicles will share the road more often with pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. These road users are vulnerable as they are smaller than other cars. They are usually hard to see and can go unnoticed within blind spots.
- Inclement weather conditions: During summer, road surfaces are slick due to heavy rainfall. This increases the likelihood of vehicles hydroplaning.
- Increased traffic: Many families use their children’s time off of school in the summer to go on vacation. With this, more people are on to road than usual, which causes an increase in traffic. Additionally, the summer is when many municipalities conduct road construction to fix any issues arising from winter weather conditions. Road construction often causes significant traffic delays and requires vehicles to detour to reach their destination. Between family vacations and road construction, there is an increase in traffic which causes motorists to become impatient and drive more aggressively, which can lead to severe collisions.
- Sun glare: The sun shines brighter during summertime than in winter. Therefore, it can cause a glare that blinds motorists for a few seconds, preventing them from seeing the road or potential roadway hazards. The sunshine can impair a motorist’s vision, leading to auto accidents.
- Intoxicated drivers: The summer months increase the chances of being involved in a drunk driving accident as many outdoor celebrations involve consuming alcohol.
- Tire blowouts and engine overheating: The hot summer temperatures can cause the air in tires to expand, resulting in a blowout. Alongside tire blowouts, high temperatures can also cause your engine to overheat. When this occurs, your motor may catch fire or break down in the middle of the road. You should check your tire pressure and engine coolant to avoid these summer driving safety hazards.
If you have been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact the experienced lawyers at James Newman, P.C. today to discuss your legal options. Our firm is prepared to help you fight for your rightful compensation to get back on your feet.
