When you drive in the summer, you may be more likely to get in a motor vehicle accident in Chicago, Illinois. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirms this, stating that more motor vehicle accidents occur during the months of July and August than any other months. Experts state that there are many reasons for this.
Traffic congestion leads to more accidents
The summer is a prime time for many people to travel, and this is especially common for teachers and students who have the summer off. Also, bicyclists and motorcyclists want to take advantage of the warm weather, and many decide to share the same roads as other cars. These two situations naturally lend themselves to an increase in auto accidents.
The number of motor vehicle accidents has been slowly rising
The numbers show that car crashes have been rising in prevalence since the 1970s. Interesting to note is the increase in the use of handheld technology such as phones. According to the CDC, eight individuals are killed every day because of distracted driving. This may seem small, but consider that the CDC estimates that 1,000 or more people get injured each day in distracted driving accidents.
What can you do to lower the risk of getting into motor vehicle accidents?
Do not send text messages while you are driving. This is easy for most people, but it is important to not check your phone for messages while you are driving either. The best solution is to put your phone on silent before you get behind the wheel.
If it rains hard while you are behind the wheel and you aren’t careful, your car could hydroplane. Before hitting the road to fulfill your vacation plans, ensure that your tires have enough tire pressure and always wear your seat belt.
With the increase in motor vehicle accidents, it is more important than ever to stay safe on the road during the summer. If you have been in a car accident while driving, speak with an attorney to figure out what your options are for pursuing compensation.