Common causes of summer auto accidents

It is natural to think of winter as a prime breeding ground for car crashes. After all, snow, ice and freezing temperatures dominate many winters.

However, summer has its share of accident potential as well. Here are a few top reasons why.

Everyone is outside

Practically anyone who can be outside during the summer seems to be. You have parents walking their babies in strollers, bicyclists, motorcyclists, people training for marathons and everyday commuters. The sidewalks, parking lots and roads become crowded, and all it takes is one lapse such as forgetting to use the turn signal for disaster to result.

More socializing means more alcohol

For many people, the entertaining and socializing season begins in spring and continues in full force through the summer. Whether beer, wine or another type of liquor is a mainstay at these parties, many do have alcohol. Furthermore, guests often underestimate their tolerance of alcohol, and leave driving drunk. The potential for catastrophic accidents is there, as many drunk drivers have caused spine and head injuries, paralysis and other types of injuries.

People have more free time

People of all ages, including teenagers and older folks, tend to have more free time in the summer. Extra time behind the wheel can be a bad thing, as the statistics bear out. Furthermore, great summer weather provides an incentive for road trips, beach trips and just travel in general. If that was not enough, these long trips can get boring for drivers, leading them to check their phones more frequently even as they are behind the steering wheel.

It is important to pay attention to your surroundings no matter the time of the year. However, summer does pose its share of challenges for drivers, truckers, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. If you have been involved or injured in an accident, an attorney may be able to help you seek compensation.