Why August is One of the Most Dangerous Months on Florida’s Roads
According to state statistics, August had the second-highest number of car accidents of all months in 2016. Around 35,000 crashes occurred, second only to March. These numbers should not be surprising. Read on to learn more about why August is so dangerous.
More People are on the Road
Summer months are the perfect time for workers to take a vacation. Some families take road trips, visiting national monuments or family members in other states. But even if people stay in Florida, they are more likely to be on the road during their days off than if they were working in their cubicles all day. Because of the crowding on the roads in August, accidents are unavoidable.
To protect yourself, give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Also drive defensively—yield the right of way, drive the speed limit, and do not get distracted.
More Teens are Driving
Instead of being bored in study hall, more teens are out on the road in August, enjoying their last month of freedom before school starts again. Some teens have also just received their licenses and are anxious to spend the summer behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Unfortunately, teens are statistically the most dangerous group of drivers. According to federal government statistics, drivers aged 16-19 are the most likely to be in an accident. These drivers are three times as likely to crash as those over the age of 20.
The Hot Weather Impairs Driving
Florida’s punishing heat can impair both drivers and their vehicles. It is well known that drivers who are overheated make rash decisions and often feel dizzy or light-headed. As a result, they are more likely to cause an accident by making a serious error behind the wheel.
Hot weather can also punish your vehicle. For example, your engine might overheat, which can strand you on the side of the road for hours as you wait for your car to cool down. Also, the heat can inflate the air in your tires, causing blowouts. As a result, you might lose control of your vehicle and crash into someone else.
To protect yourself, always travel with a bottle of water so that you can stay properly hydrated. At the first signs of heat stress or heat stroke, pull over to the side of the road and rest in a cool place.
You should also protect your vehicle by taking it to the mechanic for a tune-up before summer even begins. Rotate your tires and ask the mechanic to check the pressure. If your tires are worn, you should replace them.
Stay Safe, and Call a Daytona Beach Car Accident Lawyer if a Crash Occurs
Summertime accidents are unfortunately unavoidable. If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash, you will need confident legal representation. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our car accident lawyers in Volusia County have helped countless victims receive compensation for their injuries. To learn more about whether you have a valid legal case, please set up a free consultation. You can call 386-252-5170 or submit our contact form.
Resources:
cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/teen_drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html
firesportal.com/Pages/Public/QuickStats.aspx
