As summer approaches, many Oklahoma City residents are preparing to spend more time out and about over the next few months. With the kids out of school, many families plan vacations, day trips, and activities they expect to travel to by car. As this is one of the busiest – and most dangerous – times of the year, here’s a look at how to stay safe driving in summer.
What Are the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer?
The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 deadliest days of summer. The fact that more people in general are out on the roads is only one of the reasons. A bigger factor is that a higher percentage of drivers in the summer are out-of-school teenagers. Consequently, there’s an uptick in teen driver accidents in the summer, which results in an increase in injuries and fatalities.
Why Car Accidents Increase During Summer Months
Car accidents increase during the 100 deadliest days because of a unique combination of summer driving dangers. For starters, travel patterns change in ways that mean there are simply more people on Oklahoma’s roads. Families, students, commuters, and visitors may all be driving more often or for longer distances than they do during other parts of the year. With heavier traffic and more frequent trips, the chances of collisions can rise.
The Most Common Causes of Summer Car Accidents
Summer driving can be riskier when drivers make careless or unsafe choices. Some of the most common causes of crashes during the 100 deadliest days include:
- Distracted driving, including texting, talking to passengers, or adjusting navigation
- Speeding, especially on highways and busy city roads
- Impaired driving after alcohol or drug use
- Inexperienced drivers who lack judgment in heavy traffic
- Failure to follow traffic laws, including running red lights or making unsafe lane changes
Safety Tips to Prevent Car Accidents During the Summer
It’s impossible to guarantee you’ll never get into a car accident, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. Be prepared, and stay alert and patient at all times. Before you leave on a trip, check traffic conditions, plan your route, and allow yourself enough time to avoid feeling rushed. While driving, keep both hands on the wheel, put your phone away, follow posted speed limits, and never drive after drinking or using drugs. Parents of teenage drivers should also talk with their kids about safe habits before they spend more time on the road.
Contact an OKC Car Accident Lawyer After a Summer Car Crash
If you find yourself injured following a collision caused by a teenage driver this summer, the Oklahoma City car accident lawyers at Cain Law are available 24/7 to take your call. We don’t charge for initial consultations, and our rapid-response team is prepared to start investigating your case right away. Best of all, you owe us nothing unless and until we recover the compensation you deserve. Our legal team has won over $250 million for our Oklahoma clients. Contact us right away to learn more about your legal options and get the support you need.
