June signals the start of summer with longer days, road trips, and more vehicles on the road. But beneath the excitement of summer travel lies a sobering truth: car accidents tend to spike at the beginning of the season. In fact, June consistently ranks among the most dangerous months to be behind the wheel.
So, what makes June so dangerous for drivers? The answer lies in a combination of factors that come together once school lets out and warm weather sets in.
The Hidden Hazards of Summer Roads
- Younger Drivers: Summer brings freedom for many, especially newly licensed teens no longer tied to school schedules. The roads get busier with vacationers and younger, less experienced drivers. Inexperience can quickly become risky, particularly on long trips or in unfamiliar areas.
- Increased Construction and Traffic: Highway traffic also increases as families head out for seasonal getaways. These routes often become congested, raising the risk of rear-end collisions. Construction projects, common in summer due to good weather, add detours, narrowed lanes, and sudden traffic changes.
- Fatigued Driving: While longer daylight hours seem helpful, they can lead to fatigue as people drive later into the evening. Fatigued drivers, like distracted or impaired ones, are more likely to make mistakes that cause serious crashes.
Common Collision Scenarios in June
Certain types of accidents become more common this time of year.
- Rear-end collisions account for 29% of all crashes and often occur due to stop-and-go traffic near tourist spots and busy interstates.
- Distracted driving injured almost 325,000 people in 2023. It's a year-round issue, and distracted driving worsens during summer as drivers unfamiliar with routes fumble with GPS, check phones, or focus on passenger conversations instead of the road.
- Highway speeding is another risk. Many drivers underestimate travel time and try to compensate by speeding, especially in rural areas. This not only reduces reaction time but also makes crashes more severe.
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Taking Precautions—and Knowing What to Do if an Accident Happens
There’s no way to eliminate all risk on the road, but some careful planning can help you drive more safely this summer.
Here are a few precautions to keep in mind before and during your trip:
Inspect your vehicle: Check your tires, brakes, lights, and fluid levels to reduce the risk of a breakdown or mechanical failure.
Plan ahead: Give yourself extra time to reach your destination so you won’t feel rushed or tempted to speed.
Avoid fatigue: Get plenty of rest before a long drive and take regular breaks. If possible, share driving duties with another licensed adult.
Stay alert: Eliminate distractions by setting your GPS before driving, keeping your phone out of reach, and focusing fully on the road.
Watch for roadwork and signage: Be especially careful around construction zones, which are more common during the summer months.
Of course, even the most cautious drivers can’t control the actions of others. If you are involved in an accident, your first priority should be your health. Get medical attention right away—even if your injuries seem minor at first. Some symptoms take time to appear, and quick treatment not only protects your well-being but also supports any potential injury claim.
MAS Law Is Here to Help
After addressing immediate concerns following a car accident, seeking legal guidance is crucial. An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate insurance claims, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
At MAS Law, we specialize in handling complex car accident cases. Whether your accident happened on a bustling highway or during a weekend road trip, our dedicated attorneys are ready to fight for you. With years of experience advocating for accident victims, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and securing the justice you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact us online or call (972) 460-9339 today. Let us protect your rights while working to get you the compensation you need to move forward.
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