Get Ready For The Season With These Summer Car Safety Tips

The warm weather in summer represents the perfect opportunity to get outside or to take a road trip. If you plan on hitting the town to go to events or are traveling by road this summer, you should familiarize yourself with safety tips that you should follow to help keep yourself and your passengers safe. 

Frequent Causes of Summer Car Accidents

The summer season sees the highest rates of car accidents during the year. Car accidents become more like in summer due to reasons such as:

• Drowsy or fatigued driving, as people tend to stay out later in the summer or take long road trips, meaning they may be on the road at the end of a long day.
• Hydroplaning, as summer thunderstorms can drop heavy rain that creates a thin layer of water on the road surface, which can cause a fast-spinning vehicle tire to lose contact with the road surface and thereby cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle.
• Greater numbers of motorcycle riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians taking advantage of the warmer weather. Drivers may fail to look out for cyclists or pedestrians.
• Teen drivers, as teenagers are out of school and therefore have more time to be on the road, whether driving to and from a summer job or simply driving around to hang out with friends.
• Increased traffic, as people are often out on activities or traveling. In tourist areas, much of the increased traffic may be drivers from out of town who are unfamiliar with the area and may engage in erratic driving behavior.
• Hot weather, which can put significant stress on car engines and parts such as brakes and tires. Inadequate maintenance can result in summer heat triggering a catastrophic failure of parts while on the road.

Read more: Can You Sue for Emotional Distress After a Car Accident?

How to Avoid Traffic Accidents in the Summertime

You can help reduce your risk of getting into a car accident during the summer by following a few key safety tips:

• Always leave enough space between you and the car, motorcycle, or bicycle in front of you or next to you, so that you will have the room to safely slow down and stop if necessary. The general rule of thumb says to leave at least two seconds of distance between the vehicle in front of you, although you should leave extra distance when traveling at highway speeds or if driving in heavy rain or other low visibility conditions.
• If taking a long road trip, remember to take frequent stops to get out of the car, get some fresh air, and stretch your legs. If you have other drivers traveling with you, consider swapping driver duties so that everyone can also take a mental break from focusing on the road. 
• Never drive while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. If you do drink while out, make plans to safely get home, such as having a designated driver, taking a cab or rideshare vehicle, or staying the night.
• Exercise extra caution in the evenings and on weekends, which is when accidents most frequently occur during the week.

Read more: How Do I Prove My Car Accident Injury?

Contact a Perth Amboy Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at CourtLaw represent clients injured because of car accidents in Clifton, Trenton, Camden, Passaic, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market St., Perth Amboy, NJ 08861, as well as offices in New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Linden, Newark, Paterson, South Amboy, and Trenton.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.