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.
