Dangers of Summertime Driving in Lafayette: Is There a Higher Risk of a Crash?
Car crashes can happen at any time, but there may be a higher risk in the summer. Teenagers are out of school and there may be more impaired and fatigued drivers on the road.
Our Lafayette auto accident lawyers have decades of experience helping car accident victims recover millions in compensation. Contact us to schedule a free legal consultation where we can answer your legal questions and help you determine your legal options.
"I have used Galloway Jefcoat a few times and have always been very satisfied. Furthermore, all of the people who work there are very professional, nice, and courteous."
What to Do After a Summertime Car Crash?
If you were injured in a summertime auto accident, and you think the other driver should be held liable, our firm may be able to assist you. We represent crash victims, helping them secure full compensation for damages.
The at-fault driver or the insurance company may say the crash was caused by the rain or glare from the sun. However, you cannot hold the weather liable for a collision. Besides, drivers need to account for the weather and adjust their driving accordingly.
If the collision was caused by a younger driver, we may be able to seek compensation from the parent’s insurance policy. Teenage drivers and those in their early twenties are often still covered by their parents’ insurance policies. Our experienced lawyers can sort through these issues to identify the available insurance coverage.
What Are the Dangers of Driving in the Summer?
Summer driving can be fun, but there are plenty of dangers that could put you at higher risk of a crash.
Increased Traffic
You are more likely to encounter congested highways and intersections in the summer months. This is mainly because school is out, and people may be heading out or returning from a road trip. More traffic means a higher risk of collisions, especially when combined with negligent drivers.
Young Drivers
Teenage drivers are out of school, so they are going to be out on the road more often. Unfortunately, these drivers do not have a lot of experience, which often results in poor decisions. They do not know how to safely react to a variety of hazards. Many teen drivers do not understand the dangers of distracted driving, especially texting or using social media apps while driving.
Weather Conditions
There tends to be more rain in Louisiana in the summer months, as we are in hurricane season. Rain can make it harder to see in front of you. There is also a risk of hydroplaning, especially for drivers whose vehicles have old or worn-down tires.
Drivers need to be particularly careful during or after a storm, especially when there is flooding:
- A 12-inch-deep flood can sweep a small vehicle away.
- Fast-moving water could have submerged objects like debris or rocks that could damage your vehicle or cause an injury collision.
- Floodwater can destroy your car’s engine and electronics, possibly causing the insurance company to declare it a total loss.
- Wet weather could reduce visibility and make the roads slippery.
Heat and Glare
Intense sunlight can cause glare, making it difficult to see other vehicles and road signs. This glare is likely to happen early in the morning or in the evening, especially if you are heading toward the sun. However, the days are longer in the summer, increasing the amount of time when glare could impair drivers’ visibility.
Tired Drivers
You may be more likely to encounter fatigued or sleepy drivers in the summertime. This is often because there are longer days, so get-togethers can last longer. Drivers may also be returning from a long road trip and they may have been on the road for several hours.
Irregular sleeping patterns and fatigue can cause drivers to doze off while driving and crash into another vehicle or a fixed object on the roadside.
More Alcohol Consumption
The summertime has more events like festivals and concerts where people consume alcohol and then get behind the wheel. This means there may be a higher risk of encountering impaired drivers, especially at night and on weekends.
More Pedestrians
More people go outside in the summertime, including children and teenagers. You are also more likely to see bicyclists and people walking with their dogs. Unfortunately, pedestrians and bike riders often do not pay enough attention to their surroundings. That said, drivers also do not do the best job watching for pedestrians, including in crosswalks and urban areas where there are often more pedestrians.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has been a growing problem for many years, and not just among young and inexperienced drivers. People get distracted by their smartphones, conversations with passengers, GPS devices, music on the stereo, eating, drinking, personal grooming and more.
Dehydration
The summer heat can quickly cause dehydration, especially when people are outside for several hours. People often do not do the best job of staying hydrated.
Dehydration is dangerous no matter what you are doing, but it is especially risky behind the wheel. In fact, symptoms of dehydration are like symptoms of impaired driving, including poor decision-making, slower reaction time and blurry vision.
"As a client of Galloway Jefcoat for over two years I want to take a minute to say how much I appreciate the team handling my case."
How Parents Can Help Teens Drive Safe During the Summer Months?
Since teens are out on the road more frequently, parents should emphasize the importance of safe driving. There are several things that parents can do to encourage safe driving by their teen drivers:
- Model safe driving behaviors by wearing a seatbelt and following traffic rules.
- Review driving laws with your teens and set family driving rules about speeding, cellphone use and number of passengers allowed in the car.
- Provide adult supervision even after your child gets a license.
- Establish clear expectations for your teens’ driving behaviors and follow through with consequences when those expectations are not met.
- Have open discussions with your teens about the dangers of impaired driving.
"Great experience, from day 1 I felt like I finally had someone on my side and that feeling didn't leave me for 1 single moment."
How to Avoid Accidents While Driving in the Summer?
By adopting safe driving practices, you can minimize the risks associated with summer driving. Here are several strategies to consider:
- Check your route for delays and weather warnings before you leave. If necessary, use GPS apps to find alternate routes.
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, which can impair your concentration and reaction time.
- Keep your vehicle maintenance up to date by ensuring tires are inflated, brakes are in good condition and all lights function correctly.
- Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists crossing the streets or in your blind spots.
- Avoid using your phone or engaging in other distractions while driving.
- Reduce your speed and increase your following distance when driving in rain or storms.
Call Galloway Jefcoat in the Aftermath of a Car Crash
You do not have to deal with the effects of a car crash alone. Our experienced attorneys can help you figure out what steps to take to protect your legal rights.
We have secured millions for our clients and are ready to support you throughout the legal process with no upfront costs or legal obligations.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."