Temperatures in Yuma are already hitting triple digits. The hotter weather is a sign that summer is approaching, and with it comes an increase in traffic. Unfortunately, the increased traffic also increases the chances of a Yuma summer car accident.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more fatal car accidents occur in the U.S. between June and September than any other time of the year. In this helpful guide, Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys explains why Yuma summer car accidents happen, what you can do to prevent them, and how a personal injury attorney from Lerner and Rowe can help if you’ve been injured.
Why Yuma Summer Car Accidents are Common
The sheer volume of vehicles on the road increases the odds of getting into a Yuma summer car accident. And it’s not just more cars on the road, either. During the summer, there are more motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians on the roads as well. There are also other factors that make driving during the summer more dangerous, too.
Teen Drivers
With school out, there will be more teen drivers on the road. Young and inexperienced drivers are more likely to engage in distracted driving or drunk driving, and simply lack the same skill level of more experienced drivers.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol consumption goes up during the summer, especially around holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. As such, the likelihood of encountering drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs increases.
Road Construction
During the summer, construction crews normally take advantage of the additional sunlight to complete construction and repairs. Highway work zones can be difficult to navigate between heavy traffic, poor road conditions, unexpected detours, and other distractions.
Vehicle Equipment Failure
If the pavement is hot enough to fry an egg on a sidewalk in southern Arizona then imagine what the heat can do to your vehicle if it isn’t well-maintained. Tire blowouts and engines overheating are common issues during the summer that can lead to more traffic accidents.
How Can You Prevent a Yuma Summer Car Accident?
Responsible drivers should all do their part to help avoid car accidents. Here are some helpful summer driving tips to keep Yuma roads safer.
- Talk to your teenager about driving safety. Remember, they often learn by watching us. Always drive defensively and without distractions.
- Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There is no excuse to drive impaired—call a taxi, rideshare, or a friend to get home safely.
- Inspect your tires often, especially before a long drive. Heat can cause the air pressure in your tires to quickly rise.
- Check your car’s fluid levels, especially engine coolant and air conditioning refrigerant
- Keep your focus on the road. Texting or fiddling around with your phone or GPS will take your attention away from potential road hazards. If you need to make a call, answer or send a text, or program your GPS, pull over to a safe spot to do so.
In a Wreck? Contact a Yuma Summer Car Accident Attorney
Sometimes, even the safest drivers are injured in a car accident. If you or a loved one are in a car accident because of another driver’s negligence, you should know that you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Contact a Yuma accident attorney to find out more about the personal injury claim process.
Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys are available 24 hours a day at 928-222-2222 to take your call. You can also chat with an online representative via our LiveChat feature or send us the details of your case for a free case review. Consultations are always free and we don’t collect a cent until we win your case.