Researchers have been saying this for years, “The time between Memorial
Day and Labor Day is one of the deadliest of the year to be on American
roadways!” According to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, recent data shows that over 1000 people were killed in traffic accidents
during that time period. The team at Wagner Reese has collected three
driving dangers that may surprise you –
but also help you avoid a crash – this summer. Please share them with others.
1. Maintain Your Tires, Blowouts Don’t Have To Happen
When tires are well maintained and inflated appropriately, a driver can
ride for as much as 80,000 miles before the tires start to fail. But most
tire blowouts happen because air is lost and the tire is no longer able
to support the weight of car and its passengers. Summer months naturally
increase the chance for more blowouts to occur because of the warmer weather
induced lower tire pressure. The low-pressure tires create friction, causing
them to overheat and soon blowout and create an accident or road hazard
for other drivers. Construction and congested roadways can also have a
large impact on tires and hazards like buckled blacktops, cracking speed
bumps, chipped curbs, and loosely covered potholes can easily do a number
on your tires. Check your tire pressure and also look for any damage before
hitting the road.
2. Deaths Caused by Teen Drivers Skyrocket During the Summer
During the summer months, new and inexperienced teen drivers are out of
school and on city roads and interstates. Car crashes remain the number
one cause of death for U.S. teenagers. In fact, the National Safety Council
says that nearly half of all teens will be involved in a car crash before
graduating from high school. It is a parent’s job to help new teen
drivers reduce the risk of being responsible for property damage accidents,
personal injuries, and even death by staying involved as the teen grows
into a more experienced driver. Research shows that when a parent continues
to practice driving with their teen after they pass a drivers license
test, they also help increase the chances of them avoiding a crash.
3. Unexpected, Heavy Rainfall Makes For Slick Summer Roads
Even the lightest of rainfalls can mix with dirt, grease and oil on the
road, creating a slippery surface that can trigger accelerating cruise
controlled speeds, loss of car control and serious crashes.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are on average more than 950,000 automobile crashes each year due
to wet pavement, resulting in approximately 4,700 deaths and 384,000 injuries.
Rain mixed with cruise control can create deadly driving conditions. It
is best to turn it off before the roads are wet to avoid a potentially
dangerous situation.
Stay Safe, Enjoy Summer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a summer car crash, the vehicular
accident and
wrongful death attorneys at Wagner Reese have the experience to help you secure compensation to
assist you with your recovery. Whether you have been injured or have lost
a loved as a result of the wrongdoing of another driver, you and your
family deserve to heal and grieve without undue financial burdens. Please
call our offices today at (888) 204-8440 to schedule a FREE consultation.