Driving safety is always important, but with an expected increase in road traffic this summer, you might want to buckle in and review some safe summer driving tips.

Summer is upon us, complete with sweltering temperatures, school vacation, and summer road trips. While the COVID-19 pandemic is still a prominent threat in our society, state governments are easing up and life is gaining a somewhat semblance of normalcy. In Missouri, the government is re-opening the state in phases and people are returning to work and re-opening their businesses. With COVID-19, there is more traffic expected this summer as people avoid mass transportation (such as planes, trains, etc). for fear of the super-spreading virus. With more traffic on the roads, buckle in and brush up on some safe driving tips for this summer.

Warmer months are dangerous for drivers
Many people assume that the winter months are the most dangerous times to be on the roads. That may be right given nature’s elements — snow, sleet, rain, and a wintry chill could have your tires spinning and your car sliding on black ice. However, the warmer months see more fatalities than any of the winter months. August, July, October, June, September and May are the months with the most car accident fatalities.

There are a few factors that make summer months more dangerous for drivers. One of them is the increase of young and inexperienced drivers on the road. Colleges and schools are out of session, so teens and young adults are much more active on the roads. Another factor is the number of holidays in the summer months. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is dubbed “The 100 Deadliest Days” as June, July, and August see nearly 30% more car accident fatalities than their counterparts: December, January, and February.

SAFETY TIPS:

  • Remember warmer months and temperatures does not equal safer—check your tire condition and pressure and make sure your car is in good condition.
  • Avoid driving at night if it isn’t necessary as over half of the summer month car accidents occurred at night.
  • If you have to drive at night, use extra caution and ensure your headlights are functional and efficient. Lower your speed and don’t “overdrive” your vision.

More vehicles on the road
Summer tends to see more vehicles on the road, as mentioned before. However, with COVID-19 restrictions easing up, there is an expected increase in traffic that is unlike previous summers. Planes, trains, ride-shares, and other forms of mass transit are suffering as people are turning to their own transportation instead.

It’s not just cars on the roads, either. RV sales are increasing, there is higher demand for truck freight due to the virus, and people are hitting the road for some old-fashioned camping in lieu of flying for summer getaways. All this culminates in more vehicles cruising down I-70 and jam-packed between those dotted white lines.

SAFETY TIPS:

  • Obey traffic laws—use your signals and follow the speed limit.
  • Be alert on the road and cautious of those around you. You don’t just share the road with other cars, you also share it with pedestrians, trucks, motorcycles and bicycles!
  • Use your mirrors even when you’re not changing lanes—keep an eye out for other drivers who may fall prey to bad driving
  • Refrain from aggressive driving. Road rage increases with the temperatures!

Increase of Road Work
Road work is an inescapable and prominent part of traveling during the summer months. Construction zones can be dangerous to navigate, especially during heavy traffic hours. Even though the state has put the brakes on some construction projects, there is still notable roadwork in some parts of Missouri.

SAFETY TIPS:

  • Slow down! Work zones mean lower speed limits. Make sure you’re abiding by them not only to avoid any hefty fines, but to keep you, other drivers, and the construction workers safe.
  • Keep your cool! It’s easy to get overwhelmed or stressed out when lanes narrow or you’re driving alongside concrete barriers. Take a deep breath and try your best to remain calm.

You should always drive with safety in mind. When you get behind the wheel, you’re responsible for not only your own life but the lives of your passengers and everyone else you’re sharing the road with. Buckle up, put the phone down, and keep your eyes and ears open.

Drive safe and have a good summer!

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If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact us for a free consultation. You can call us at 314-252-9937, our toll-free number 866-955-5297, or email us at courtnotices@farrislaw.org.