Are There More Car Accidents in Summer or Winter? 

It is a common misconception that more car accidents happen in winter or bad weather. In fact, the opposite is true. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), summer is the most dangerous time to be on the road. Serious vehicle accidents hit their peak during the summer months of June, July, and August.

Teen drivers are among the age group that experiences the most traffic fatalities. Known as the ‘100 Deadliest Days’ – the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day – this is when fatal teen car accidents increase dramatically. Yet there are risks for all drivers during summer, and it’s important to know the factors in order to stay safe. Find out the reasons why driving in the summer is riskier than driving in winter.

More Drivers On the Road

An easy explanation for the increase in summer car accidents is that there are simply more people on the road. Domestic vacations and staycations increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and remain high today. Families taking summer vacations and road trips, kids out of school, and pleasant weather all contribute to higher traffic during the summer, and more traffic accidents. Los Angeles, which has the second most-congested corridor in the U.S., experiences a high volume of visitors and residents traveling to escape the heat, either heading to the beach or up north. The best way to avoid congested roads is to avoid driving during peak rush hour.

Drunk Driving 

Drunk driving accidents and fatalities spike in the summer, especially during holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day. According to MoneyGeek’s analysis, 28% of DUI-related deaths from 2018 to 2022 happened in the summer. Multiple reports also show that Saturday and Sunday are the two days with the most DUIs. Drinking alcohol and getting behind the wheel leads to an increased risk of car accident injuries and death. If you or someone you know is going to be drinking, designate a sober driver before or call a rideshare service.

Road Construction

Road construction occurs more frequently in the summer, which can create hazards for drivers. Changes in the road surface, lane and off-ramp closures, and detours can all increase the risk of an accident. Construction zones can also create bottleneck traffic, a main source of road rage. Check Google Maps or Waze to see if there are any delays, and plan an alternate route if there are.

Excessive Heat

Temperatures in certain parts of California, like Death Valley, can reach up to 116°F in July. This excessive heat can make drivers dehydrated and drowsy, which can lead to driver fatigue. Be sure to drink lots of water and pull over if you are feeling sleepy. Sun glare is also a major concern during the summer and can impair your visibility. Always keep a pair of sunglasses on hand to avoid sun blindness.

Inexperienced Drivers

School is out for the summer, which means more young drivers on the road. This is one of the top reasons why summer is the most dangerous time to drive on the road. Teenage drivers have little experience behind the wheel and are more likely to take risks, like speeding or texting while driving. According to the CDC, teen drivers aged 16 to 19 are three times as likely to be in a fatal car accident as drivers aged 20 and older. If you are a parent to a teen driver, it’s important to educate them on the importance of safe driving practices to avoid an accident.

Hazardous Weather Conditions

Some regions, especially coastal areas of the United States, suffer more extreme weather in the summer. Each summer, there is an onslaught of tropical storms and hurricanes, making driving hazardous when visibility is low. If you’re planning to travel to areas like Florida, be prepared for unexpected weather conditions like heavy rainfall and flash flooding. Always do your research before traveling and have a plan in case something happens.

Motorcyclists and Bicyclists Sharing the Road 

Summer means more motorcyclists and bicyclists sharing the road, leading to more serious accidents involving a bike and another vehicle. If you are a driver, remain vigilant at all times and always check your blind spots before turning or switching lanes. In California, motorcyclists can lane split, so be careful and watch out for them on the highway. If you’re a bicyclist or motorcycle rider, practice defensive driving techniques and never assume another vehicle driver sees you.

Common Car Accident Injuries

You’ve learned that summer is the worst season for traffic crashes, but are you aware of the typical injuries that can happen in a car collision? Car accidents can cause various types of injuries, some minor and some life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries are:

• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Neck and back injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Concussions

It’s important to note that not all car accident injuries are visible or appear immediately. Some may take days or weeks to show symptoms. Always get checked out by your physician or urgent care immediately following an accident, and retain your medical records if you plan to file a claim.

Summer Driving Tips

With these driving tips, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer on the road.

• Avoid peak rush hours: If you’re planning on taking road trips in California, you’ll want to avoid driving during peak traffic hours, which are generally between 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Weekends also see a spike in traffic, so try to plan to travel mid-week, if possible.
• Obey the speed limit: Driving at high speeds can wear down your vehicle and increase the risk of accidents. Drive at the speed limit and follow the traffic rules to reduce stress for yourself and your vehicle.
• Inspect your tires: In hot weather, tires can lose air pressure faster and become more prone to blowouts. To test the tread of your tires, follow the old penny test. Turn the penny upside down with Lincoln’s head facing you. Insert the coin in your tire treads until the top of the coin reaches the bottom. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, the tread is too low.
• Check fluid levels: Before a road trip, it’s always a good idea to take your car to the mechanic. Have them check the fluid levels, brakes, belts, hoses, and lights.
• Pack an emergency kit: In addition to towels and sunscreen, make sure you pack a roadside emergency kit. Include items such as water, snacks, a flashlight, jumper cables, a first aid kit, flares, and a spare tire. You never know when you might need them.

Call an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a summer car accident, you are likely to face an uphill battle. Mounting medical bills, missed time from work, and more have the potential to add more stress to an already stressful situation. At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, our detailed and compassionate legal team can help you through this difficult time and provide clarity.

Our car accident lawyer in Orange County has successfully recovered over $300 million dollars in settlements for clients injured in car accidents due to someone else’s negligence. Our firm does not collect any upfront legal fees unless and until we win your case. Call us at (800) 719-997 for a free case evaluation, and have a happy and safe summer!