Auto accidents happen all the time. But, there is a higher chance of getting into an auto accident in the summer than at any other time of the year.
Why are summer months so dangerous for drivers? Here are a few possibilities:
Texting and driving
Texting and driving is one of the biggest causes of auto accidents. Texting or using a phone while driving is a distraction, which limits a driver’s ability to react before an accident occurs. Even just having a phone in the car can lead to a distraction because it might ring or sound a notification. Texting and driving accidents may increase during the summer because more people are likely on the road.
Using shades at night
People often use shades while driving to block out the sun and glare from other vehicles. Using shades while the sun is out may help prevent accidents. But, people may not notice that the sun is going down and, as a result, their shades make it harder for them to see their surroundings. This may also make it harder to see vehicles with darker colors.
Relying too much on cruise control
Many people plan road trips during the summer. People may turn on their cruise control while they’re driving long distances to help retain speed. But, cruise control can prove challenging if a driver needs to make a sudden stop or slow down. Drivers would have to pause or stop their cruise control, which can take several moments – enough time to cause an accident.
Wearing sandals while driving
Sandals are comfortable and can help fight the heat. Some people will wear sandals while driving. While there are no laws that restrict people from wearing sandals in the car, they can create dangerous situations. For instance, sandals don’t have the same traction as other shoes and could slip off a brake during an emergency stop.
You can’t know when you’re going to be in an auto accident. However, when you are, it can help you to understand your legal right to get compensated for any injuries and losses.