Summer driving could be dangerous and not many people seem to be aware of it.
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In fact, many motorists underestimate the impact that higher temperatures have on our ability to stay focused while on the road.
Yet, it is imperative to highlight that summer deserves equal attention when it comes to road safety and statistics.
According to the National highway Traffic Safety Administration, the highest number of traffic fatalities happen between July and September, whereas the lowest number of traffic fatalities are between January and March.
But, what makes summer driving so dangerous?
To answer that question, here are 6 reasons why summer driving could be seriously dangerous.
The number of teen drivers on the road increases
This is an inevitable case where teenagers are free from school to enjoy the season which takes more teenagers to the road.
Unfortunately, more teen drivers on the road creates a scenario where the risk of getting involved in an accident increases.
This has more to do with inexperience and lack of practice. Statistically, teen drivers are more vulnerable to get involved in crashes compared to other age groups.
Summer vacations means more road congestion
Once the summer begins, people start planning road trips, which has a severe impact on our driving experience.
You’ll definitely notice that the roads are even more congested, making it harder for drivers to reach their destination on time.
Ultimately, every disruption leads to road rage and that’s a solid reason why drivers get involved in car accidents during summer breaks.
Summer driving could affect your tires
Just as winter driving affect your tires, so as the summer season.
In fact, hot weather causes the air inside your tires to expand, which could ultimately cause a blowout, especially if your wheels are not operating above the standards.
That’s why it is always advisable to regularly check your tires, especially during heat waves.
Road construction affects summer driving
Road construction usually takes place during summer season.
In fact, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges drivers to be cautious when driving during summertime since construction and maintenance operations accounted for 773 driving fatalities each year between 2005 and 2014.
Keep this data in mind as not some drivers are not informed about road closures in their area.
There are more cyclists and motorcyclists on the road
People usually consider summertime as a reason to take their bikes and motorbikes out to enjoy the warm weather while getting around in town.
As the number of people who share the road increases, things become more challenging for everyone.
There has been cases where drivers hit cyclists or motor bikers for not being able to predict their maneuvers.
The weather could affect your driving
This could be the case for people who go for long drives where the excessive heat causes you to feel dehydrated.
During summer season, we suggest that you pack some extra water to avoid potential accidents for not being 100% fit to drive.
At the same time, engines usually overheat when the temperature increases, which could also disrupt your drive if you rely on air condition to stay cool.