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Why Car Accidents In California Increase In Summer

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Summer driving in California offers beautiful scenery, sun, and warm weather, but there are reasons to use caution when hitting the roads. Car accidents tend to rise in the summer in California and nationwide.

According to the National Safety Council, July and August are two of the months with the most fatal auto accidents nationwide. Also, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that auto accidents cause 30% more deaths in summer than in winter. Learn why auto accidents rise in the summer in California in this article, and speak to our Encino car accident attorneys at Ourfalian & Ourfalian if you have questions about an accident case.

More People On The Roads

One of the most significant factors in more car accidents in the summer in California is more people are on the road. California is a beautiful state; many residents hit the road in the summer, and many tourists do, too. However, many drivers may need to become more familiar with the streets and highways of California, and heavier traffic can trigger more serious auto accidents.

Distracted Driving

There are plenty of beautiful sights in this part of California, including the Japanese Garden, Sherman Oaks Castle Park, and Los Encinos State Historic Park. It is natural for tourists and others to be distracted when they drive in this area, but being distracted behind the wheel is always hazardous. Texting and driving is also a bigger problem, with more people on the roads in the summer months.

Road Construction

Many road construction projects are done in the summer in California in sunny, warmer weather. Road construction leads to traffic, frustration, and accidents. Also, routes and roads can change with all the construction, leading to driver confusion and additional auto accidents.

More Young Drivers

In the summer, most teens are out of school. So they may be excited about driving by themselves or with their friends. But teenagers are more likely to get in accidents than other age groups, so accidents tend to rise. Also, many teenage drivers need to gain maturity and experience to avoid getting into accidents that more seasoned drivers know how to avoid.

Bad Weather

Summer can trigger more severe storms and flooding and, with them, more car accidents. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) states that almost 50% of weather-related fatal auto accidents happen because of flooding.

More Motorcyclists

Warm and sunny weather usually means there are more motorcycles on California roads. Unfortunately, many drivers do not see motorcycles as quickly as cars, and accidents are more common.

Alcohol Use

Summer is one of the best times to take a break, go on vacation, and party. Unfortunately, when people gather to have a good time, alcohol often is a factor, and too many of them may wind up getting behind the wheel and getting in accidents. Many serious and fatal accidents happen yearly in California because of drunk driving. If a drunk driver injures you, our Encino personal injury attorneys can help you in a car accident lawsuit.

How To Avoid Summer Car Accidents In California

While some summer auto accidents are unavoidable, there are actions you can take to make them less likely. Observe the following safety tips to stay safe on California’s roads this summer:

Obey California Traffic Laws

Research shows that speeding and other violations of traffic laws trigger more auto accidents. Unfortunately, some drivers, especially teens, tend to speed and act aggressively behind the wheel, including running red lights and driving under the influence. If you see other drivers disobeying traffic laws and endangering public safety, dial 911.

Drive Defensively

Summer temperatures can make some drivers act aggressively but do not return the favor. If another driver drives aggressively near you, stay calm and get away from them as soon as possible. Road rage only leads to accidents and other problems.

Check Your Car

Before you leave the parking lot or driveway, it is always wise to do a fast safety check to reduce the chances of an accident. Look at your tires, check the brakes, brake lights, and headlights. Doing these simple things can keep you safe and avoid serious car accidents.

Check The Weather Forecast

Weather can change in California in the summer, so it helps to be ready for anything when driving. Before leaving the house, check to see if any storms or showers are coming. Then, work at home or wait to run your errands until the sky is clear.

Watch For Motorcycles

The NHTSA reports that 70% of deadly two-vehicle motorcycle accidents occur between May and October, which is when more bikers are on the roads. You are responsible for being aware of all traffic on the road, including motorcycles, so watch for those smaller vehicles. Check your blind spots and be sure a motorcycle isn’t approaching when you make a turn.

Watch Out For Pedestrians And Cyclists

In most areas of California, there are more cyclists and pedestrians outside in the summer. Show them plenty of consideration to avoid serious auto accidents. These types of accidents usually cause severe injuries, and you could face a car accident lawsuit and criminal charges if you hit a pedestrian or biker.

Look For Tourists

You may see more out-of-state license plates on the roads in the summer in California. This is because tourists do not know the roads as well as local drivers, and they can be more accident-prone.

Never Drive Drowsy

Driving when you are tired can be as dangerous as drunk driving. The NHTSA states that drowsy driving led to at least 91,000 auto accidents in 2017, with 800 deaths. So ensure you get a whole night’s sleep before hitting the roads in California.

Speak to Our Encino Car Accident Attorneys Now

Our attorneys hope you have a safe and happy summer in California, but sometimes, car accidents happen despite our best efforts. If you were in a car accident with injuries in Encino, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, property damage, and pain and suffering. Contact our Encino car accident attorneys at Ourfalian & Ourfalian today at (818) 550-7777 to discuss your case.

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How Excessive Speed Increases Deadly Car Accidents

car accidents

The expression ‘speed kills’ often applies to California car accidents. Science shows for every 10 MPH faster you travel, the risk of dying in a car wreck doubles. Also, as vehicle speed rises, so do the chances of severe injuries. One study in 2018 estimated that speeding caused ⅓ of traffic fatalities or 9,378. The National Safety Council (NSC) also reports speeding was involved in 29% of traffic deaths in 2020.

Learn more below about how speeding increases the chances of deadly auto accidents. If you have already been in a car accident, contact Glendale car accident lawyers Ourfalian & Ourfalian for a complimentary consultation.

Most Common Speeding Drivers and Scenarios

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gathers statistics about U.S. auto accidents. The agency reports that young men are the most likely to speed and get in fatal crashes. The NHTSA also says about ⅓ of male drivers between 15 and 24 in fatal wrecks in 2013 were speeding. Further, 42% of speeding drivers in deadly accidents were intoxicated at the time.

The IIHS adds that while most drivers speed from time to time, fatal speeding accidents are most common on expressways and highways. In addition, studies suggest that traffic going over posted speed limits can be as high as 72% on highways.

How Speed Can Kill In Auto Accidents

We all understand the faster we move, the harder it is to stop. Unfortunately, that is the case with a speeding car, too. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that speed raises the odds of deadly accidents in these ways:

  • Increases the distance a car travels between the time you see and respond to an emergency.
  • Increases the distance you need to stop your car when you press the brake.
  • Increases the energy expended in a crash. For instance, when crash speed rises from 40 MPH to 60 MPH, the expended energy in the crash doubles.

If you drive too fast, the force of the crash can be so catastrophic that the vehicle cannot maintain structural integrity. As a result, the car’s passenger compartment may collapse, leaving occupants dead or severely injured. When the vehicle speed is too high, seatbelts and airbags are of limited assistance, too.

How Speeding Affects Auto Accident Liability

If another driver was speeding and caused a severe or deadly accident, this can be used against them in a personal injury lawsuit. Speeding is an obvious type of negligence, which is how liability is proven in an accident. The accident probably would not have happened and injured or killed someone if they were not speeding.

A Glendale car accident lawyer may rely on the following evidence to prove the other driver was speeding:

  • Police report
  • Statements from eyewitnesses
  • Evidence from the accident scene
  • Dashcam and traffic light video
  • Crash data from the vehicle’s ‘black box’
  • Opinions from vehicle crash experts
  • Skid marks

While the speeding driver may be held liable in a serious or fatal car accident, not every accident is clear-cut. For example, a driver hits you at high speed at a red light. As a result, you suffer a broken arm and whiplash. This could lead to shared liability.

In Illinois, there is a comparative negligence standard for car accidents. This means you can only recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. So, for example, if you were 40% liable for a speeding accident with $20,000 in damages, you may only receive $12,000 in a potential settlement.

If you are in a car accident where liability may be shared with a speeding driver, you must review the case with an Illinois car accident lawyer.

Why Do People Speed?

Speeding is aggressive driving that can be dangerous and deadly. Most people are aware of this, so why do they do it? The NHTSA reports these as the most common reasons people speed:

Traffic Congestion

Traffic frustrates people and leads to aggressive driving, including speeding and tailgating. Drivers often respond to traffic by speeding, cutting off other drivers, and getting angry at slower drivers.

Running Behind Schedule

Many of us drive too fast because we are late. Whether it is work, school, or another appointment, speeding can cause serious accidents when people are rushed.

Anonymity

A car usually insulates us from our surroundings. When we are shielded from others, we may feel detached. This can cause some drivers to feel freer to drive aggressively.

Disregard For Other Drivers

Most of us do not usually drive aggressively. However, a segment of the population often drives aggressively, increasing the chances of fatal accidents.

How To Deal With Speeders

Speeding drivers affect others, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. So if you see speeders on the road, here are some critical safety tips:

  • If you are driving in the left lane and another driver wants to pass, signal and move over. Do not get frustrated and slow down; this can lead to more aggressive driving.
  • Give the speeder a lot of space. The faster the driver goes, the more likely they will lose control.
  • Tailor your driving. We know that aggressive drivers speed. If you have a speeder following you, get out of the way safely. It is not worth the risk to engage in aggressive driving.
  • Call law enforcement if a speeder harasses or follows you.

Contact Glendale Car Accident Lawyers Now

You may face huge medical bills if you or a loved one is in a severe car accident. You also may not be able to work for months. Who will pay these bills and your other expenses during your accident recovery?

Glendale car accident lawyers Ourfalian & Ourfalian have represented California auto accident clients for many years. Our attorneys can tap many kinds of evidence to determine if speeding was a factor in your accident.

Ourfalian & Ourfalian represent drivers and passengers in Encino, Alhambra, Arcadia, Burbank, Glendale, El Monte, Granada Hills, Los Angeles, Monterey Park, North Hollywood, Pasadena, Van Nuys, and surrounding communities in Southern California and the San Fernando Valley. Please contact us today for a complimentary consultation at: (818) 550-7777.