Are car crashes more likely to happen in summer? The statistics point to yes.
Injury Facts reports that February was the month with the fewest motor-vehicle deaths and that August was the month with the most deaths in 2019.
According to Injury Facts, over the last several years, January and February experienced the fewest motor-vehicle fatalities, while July, August, or October experienced the most.
Much of the variation in monthly motor-vehicle fatalities are associated with the number of vehicle miles. During the winter months, both vehicle miles and deaths go down, while in the summer months, vehicle miles and deaths increase.
On top of people driving more frequently, there are many other reasons why the rate of car accidents may increase during the summer months. Keep reading to learn the two reasons why the rate of car crashes can increase in Florida in the coming months.
1. Summer Thunderstorms
The first reason will be self-evident to anyone living in Florida. Anyone who lives in the sunshine state is familiar with Florida’s afternoon summer showers. Heavy rainfall can lead tomore car accidents due to low visibility. Remember, when the visibility is low, drive slow!
2. Teens At High Risk For Car Crashes
Teens ages 16-19 are most at risk for motor vehicle crashes more than any other age group. Fatal car accidents are the second leading cause of death for youth in this age group. Youth who are at especially high risk for motor vehicle crashes are:
- Males
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that in 2019, the motor vehicle death rate for male drivers ages 16-19 was over two times higher than the death rate for female drivers in the same age range.
- Teens Driving With Teen Passengers
The presence of teen passengers increases the crash risk of unsupervised teenage drivers. The risk increases with every additional teen passenger.
- Newly Licensed Teens
Crash risk is particularly high during the first months of licensure. Data from the 2016-2017 National Household Travel Survey indicate that the crash rate per mile driven is about 1.5 times as high for 16-year-olds as it is for 18/19-year-olds.
Factors That Put Teens at High Risk
- Inexperience
Teens and new drivers, in general, are more likely not to recognize or underestimate dangerous situations out on the road. Inexperienced drivers are also more likely to engage in dangerous driving habits. Young drivers are more likely to speed, not wear a seat belt, and drive distracted.
- Night Time, Weekend, and Summer Driving
In 2019, 40 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths among teen drivers and passengers ages 13-19 occurred between 9 PM and 6 AM, and 52 percent occurred on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
- Alcohol Use
In 2018, 24 percent of drivers ages 15-20 who were killed in fatal motor vehicle crashes were drinking.
3. Our First Post-Lockdown Summer
It’s been about 15 months since the first pandemic lock-down restrictions were put in place. Now that everywhere is opening up, people are eager to get outside. Although it’s great that we can go to theme parks and restaurants again, don’t let that get you over-excited while you’re out on the road. You should still engage in safe driving practices.
How You Can Stay Safe
Here are some tips on how you can drive safely this Florida summer:
- If there’s heavy rainfall causing low visibility while you’re out on the road, drive slowly.
- Be mindful of inexperienced drivers on the road. They’re trying their best.
- Teen drivers should avoid driving with passengers, as it increases their chances of getting in a car accident.
Your Tampa Personal Injury Lawyers- Hancock Injury Attorneys
Our team at Hancock Injury Attorneys wishes you a fun and safe summer. We never want you to be involved in a car accident, but if by some unfortunate chance you’re injured, contact us for a free case consultation. We will be able to evaluate all aspects of your claim and advise you on the best course of action so that you can get the compensation you deserve.