Dangers of Driving in the Summer
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While summer may be the most well-liked season in the Midwest, it is also the most popular in traffic fatalities. With many drivers on the road for summer vacations and long weekends, driving can be especially dangerous in the summer months. If you or a loved one is involved in a car crash, our skilled car accident lawyers are here to help. Here is an overview of Michigan car accident statistics in the summer months as well as some summer driving safety tips to help you stay safe on the road.
Do You Have a Case?WHEN DO MOST SERIOUS MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENTS HAPPEN?
Summer driving comes with increased risk. Michigan crash data shows clear patterns in car accidents based on the time of day, the day of the week and what month it is.
Month of the year
According to the recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash data, fatal accidents peak from May to October. In Michigan, August had the highest number of fatal accidents (115) as well as alcohol-involved crashes (790), drug-involved crashes (235), and accidents involving a bicycle (257).
Day of the week
The majority of accidents happened on a Friday (48,770), followed by Thursday (45,530), Tuesday (45,294) and Wednesday (43,240).
Nonetheless, the most fatal accidents occurred on a Saturday (184), followed by Thursday (165), Friday (146) and Wednesday (140).
Time of day
More crashes (65,506) happened between 3-5:59 p.m., followed by the time periods of noon-2:59 p.m. (46,804), 6-8:59 p.m. (45,308) and 6-8:59 a.m. (43,570).
The most fatal crashes (174) took place between 3-5:59 p.m., followed by 9-11:59 p.m. (168) and 6-8:59 p.m. (159).
In addition, Wayne County had the highest number of fatal car accidents (166), followed by the counties of Macomb (68), Kent (62) and Oakland (61).
DO MORE MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENTS OCCUR IN HAZARDOUS WEATHER?
Surprisingly, no. Of the 288,880 recently reported crashes, the majority happened in clear weather. The same was true for accident-related fatalities, injuries and property damage. Statistics from Michigan State Police dispel the common belief that most accidents happen due to rain, fog, snow and other hazardous weather.
Here is an overview of weather conditions relative to Michigan car accidents:
| Conditions | Total Crashes | Fatal Crashes |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Weather | 191,124 (66.2%) | 721 (71.2%) |
| Cloudy | 44,779 (16.5%) | 165 (16.3%) |
| Rain | 20,999 (8.0%) | 66 (6.5%) |
| Snow | 20,388 (7.1%) | 34 (3.4%) |
| Blowing Snow | 1,712 (0.6%) | 3 (0.3%) |
SUMMER DRIVING SAFETY TIPS
Many car crashes are caused by preventable human factors which include speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as well as distracted and drowsy driving. Failure to use available safety features such as seatbelts and motorcycle helmets is another huge cause of recent traffic fatalities.
Here are some basic safety tips for driving in the summer from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- Perform a basic safety check. Include routine maintenance such as tune-ups, battery checks, and tire rotation. Before traveling long distances, make sure tire pressure, wiper blades, fluid levels, lights, and air conditioning are all in proper working condition.
- Check for recalls. Call your dealer or visit www.nhtsa.gov/recalls to find out about possible vehicle safety defects in your vehicle.
- Protect yourself and your passengers. All drivers and passengers should wear seat belts, while children should ride in car seats or booster seats specified for their age and size. Children 13 and younger should ride in the back seat.
- Share the road safely. Summer weather means more unprotected travelers such as motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians will be sharing the road. Keep a safe distance - 3 or 4 seconds worth - between your vehicle and a motorcycle, and always be mindful of pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Stay alert. Take regular breaks during long trips. Leave enough time during stops to stretch, eat healthy food and relax. If you find yourself getting too tired to drive, stay overnight in a motel to get the rest you need to drive safely.
- Pack an emergency roadside kit. Be prepared for the unexpected with a kit that contains emergency items such as a first-aid kit, flashlight, flares, jumper cables, water, and blankets. If possible, pack an extra cell phone or a spare battery and charger for your existing phone.
- Don’t drive after drinking or using drugs. If you plan to drink, choose a designated driver before going out. If no one in your vehicle is able to drive safely, call someone you know to pick you up or use a ride service.
- Avoid distraction. According to the NHTSA, distraction accounts for approximately 8% of fatal crashes. Distractions include cell phone use, texting while driving, eating, drinking, and using in-vehicle technologies and portable electronic devices that take your attention away from the road.
LET OUR EXPERIENCED CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS HELP YOU TODAY
If you or a loved one are injured in a motor vehicle crash, it is important to contact an experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible. The knowledgeable team of lawyers at The Sam Bernstein Law Firm are ready to provide a free consultation to discuss your case and make sure you get the compensation you and your family deserve.
“Whether you’re a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, bicyclist or walker, we want you to have safe and enjoyable travels this summer,” says Mark Bernstein. “If you’re riding in a car, wear your seatbelt. If you’re on a motorcycle or bicycle, wear a helmet. Follow the speed limit. These simple steps can help save lives.”
Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan auto accident attorney is simple.
Don’t let the legal clock run out. Start your case today by clicking on the link below or contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.
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