Summer is a time of warm and sunny weather when many motorists take to our roads and highways. It is also a time of year that has the most traffic accidents. Factors such as increased traffic levels as well as good road conditions that encourage speeding and aggressive driving, contribute to this high car accident rate. But what kinds of accidents are these? The answers to this can help you avoid becoming a summer statistic yourself. Here are three typical summer car accidents:

Construction Zone Accident

Road construction crews take advantage of the good weather of spring and summer to repair winter damage and perform maintenance on highway infrastructure. This disrupts traffic flow with lane closures and forces traffic to drive through busy construction zones on narrow roads that have concrete barriers, poor surfaces, and no shoulders. These less than ideal driving conditions are the cause of many accidents. Drive carefully when approaching and going through these areas.

Loss of Control from a Tire Blowout

If you are lax with your tire care and maintenance, you’re at increased risk of having a tire blowout in hot weather. Old tires, tires with worn tread, and especially under inflated tires are highly vulnerable to the stress of summer heat. Road pavement temperatures can reach over 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This, plus the internal heat generated by the flexing rubber of under inflated tires can prove too much for the tire rubber and belting and cause a blowout. Tires older than 6 years are vulnerable to heat as well as those with little tread. Keep your tires in good condition this summer.

Distracted Driving Accident

Teens on summer vacation with their new driving licenses take to the road in the summer. According to AAA, distraction played a role in 6 out of 10 moderate to severe teen crashes. The causes of these accidents were passenger distraction, cell phone use, taking their eyes off the road, singing and moving to music, grooming, and reaching for an object.

Crowded roads mean more breakdowns and cars pulled over by the police. These serve to distract motorists as they pass by. Distracted driving is a frequent cause of rear-end collisions. Drive defensively and keep an eye on the traffic behind you. If you can, allow tailgaters to get by you. Avoid sudden braking by allowing plenty of following distance.

Injured in a car accident by a careless driver? Seek legal help from the experienced lawyers at Hogan Injury. Contact us today.