Vacation Travel and Summer Outings Put More People on the Roads
School’s out and many families are getting ready to go on vacation. The beaches are open and there’s more traffic on the roadways in Texas, as folks look for a way to cool off or just have some fun. Studies routinely show that, in Texas and nationwide, the number of auto accidents spikes during the summer months. Why is that? What are the factors that make the summer months more dangerous for drivers?
Reason #1—More Drivers on the Road
Research has long tied the actual number of accidents to the number of miles traveled on the nation’s highways and roadways. The accident rate—the number of accidents per mile driven—hasn’t changed significantly in decades. When the actual number of accidents has increased or decreased, it has been routinely tied to increases or decreases in travel. For example, during the COVID pandemic in 2020, when there was far less traffic on the roads, the raw number of accidents decreased dramatically. Interestingly, though, the rate of serious or catastrophic injury claims tied to motor vehicle accidents went up, as motorists tended to drive faster because of less congestion.
Reason #2—There Are More Novice Drivers on the Roads
Many of those new drivers, between the ages of 16 and 20, who would typically be in class most of the day, are now on the roadways. These younger drivers lack the experience and judgment of older drivers and, consequently, pose a greater risk of accident and injury. There’s also evidence that younger drivers are more likely to engage in joyriding, drive at excessive speeds, or be reckless behind the wheel.
Reason #3—Greater Likelihood of Drinking and Driving
The summer starts and ends with a holiday and there’s another one sandwiched in the middle. Unfortunately, consuming larger quantities of alcohol is fairly common on holiday weekends. Furthermore, the cooking and campouts and beach parties that are so much a part of Texas summers also offer an incentive for alcohol use (and potential abuse).
Reason #4—There’s Road Construction Everywhere You Turn
In Texas, as in most states, summer is officially “road construction” season. That typically increases congestion and causes delays. Far too often, motorists either don’t pay attention when approach a construction zone or fail to alter their driving habits when traveling through road construction.
Reason #5—More Ways that Drivers Get Distracted
Distracted driving has long been the most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, though it’s often tied to handheld devices, the stereo or grooming/eating behind the wheel. In the summer, though, particularly in Texas, the natural scenic beauty can cause a motorist to take his or her eyes off the road. It only takes a split second to create a dangerous situation.
How Can You Minimize the Risk of Injury in a Car Accident in Texas This Summer?
You can’t ever protect yourself against all risk of injury, but there are some simple things you can do to lower the risk:
- Wear your seatbelt and insist that others in your vehicle do the same
- Properly maintain your vehicle, regularly servicing the brakes, tires, steering mechanism and safety light
- Only use a phone if you can do so “hands-free”
- Be prepared for inclement weather—always check the forecast before you go out
- Obey all traffic laws
Contact the Proven Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers at Bailey & Galyen
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we offer more than 40 years of experience protecting the rights of people who have suffered any type of injury in an automobile, truck or motorcycle accident. We know that the civil justice system can be confusing and intimidating and will take the time to carefully explain the process at every juncture. Contact us by e-mail or call our offices at one of the convenient locations listed below. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
