For many, summer is the best season of the year because they get a much-needed break. Whether it’s students thrilled to be free from homework or adults grateful for a few days away from work, summer is exciting. Unfortunately, statistically, summer is also known as one of the deadliest times of year for those on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic-related fatalities tend to increase significantly during the summer months compared to the rest of the year.
3 Dangers of Summertime Driving in Florida
Summer should be about enjoying the sunny days and the beautiful Florida beaches. Unfortunately, because Florida is such a hot spot for vacations, the fact that people want to take advantage of everything Florida has to offer is the thing that can put them in danger. As tourists begin to fill the roads and streets of Florida, traffic becomes more and more congested, which is a condition that presents inherent risk even before additional factors are added.
1. Increase in Impaired Drivers
Even without the excessive drinking that occurs on the 4th of July, summer break is often the chance for people to cut loose and enjoy themselves. However, as blood alcohol consumption increases across the population, so does the risk that individuals will make the mistake of getting behind the wheel. In addition to drunk drivers on the road, there are also drunk pedestrians with impaired vision, balance, and response times, placing themselves and others on the road at risk.
2. Increase of Inexperienced Drivers on the Road
Most teens are thrilled when they’re able to get their license. It gives them a sense of freedom and independence that they may not have felt before. While no one starts off as the perfect driver, and it’s understandable that new drivers, even new adult drivers, are learning as they go, that inexperience can have severe consequences. Inexperienced drivers are more prone to make poor driving decisions or being unfamiliar with certain rules, which can put themselves and other drivers on the road in danger.
3. Increase Risk of Tire Blowouts
The increase in temperature has many negative side effects on the environment and people’s health. As summers get hotter, we’re beginning to see the repercussions of the earth’s temperature warming up all around us. However, a more niche and unfamiliar side effect is the impact that hotter temperatures have on tires. The hot weather causes the air in tires to expand, which can cause the tire to burst, known as a tire blowout. This is especially common during heat waves as tire pressure builds beyond what the tire can safely handle.
Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer Today
No one should have their summer ruined because of another person’s negligence. Unfortunately, no one can control what other people do, but we can control our own actions. At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A., our experienced car accident lawyers dedicate themselves to helping our clients recover the compensation they deserve. We understand that pursuing compensation after a serious accident can be a lot to handle on top of everything else. That’s why our team is here to guide you through every step of the process. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a Florida car accident this summer, contact our office to discuss your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Driving Risks in Florida
Why are tire blowouts more common in the summer?
Hot weather causes the air inside tires to expand, increasing internal pressure. Combined with worn tread or underinflation, this raises the risk of a blowout, especially during heat waves.
Who can be held liable if a tire blowout causes an accident?
Liability can depend on the cause, such as a manufacturing defect, improper maintenance, or a tire shop’s negligent service, and may fall on the driver, a repair shop, or a manufacturer depending on the facts.
Is drunk driving really more common in the summer?
Summer holidays and increased social activity tend to correlate with higher rates of impaired driving, which is part of why NHTSA data shows elevated traffic fatalities during these months.
What should I do if I’m hit by an inexperienced or teen driver?
Follow the same steps as any accident: document the scene, exchange information, and contact an attorney, since the teen driver’s insurance and their parents’ policy may both be relevant to your claim.
Does increased tourist traffic affect liability in an accident?
Traffic congestion itself doesn’t determine liability. Fault still depends on the specific actions of the drivers involved, but congested conditions can make accidents more likely to occur.
Legally Written and Reviewed by a Managing Partner
Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A.
Our content is written and reviewed by our founding attorneys Butch Wooten, Orman Kimbrough, Mike Damaso, and Tom Dennis. Helping the injured since 1966, they’ve successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases across Florida. Whether you’re a Florida resident or an out-of-state visitor injured in Florida, we’re dedicated to providing clear and reliable information to help you navigate your legal options confidently.