Car Accidents Spike in Summer Months

Summertime often means family vacations, and with COVID-19 this year, a lot of plans have been adjusted to take that trip to the road. The increase in the number of vacationers hitting the highway may compound the traditionally higher number of car accidents this time of year. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. we see how quickly plans can be derailed by devastating accidents caused by careless, negligent and reckless drivers. Let’s take a look at:

• The Most Common Risks for Car Accidents in Summer Months
• Statistics in Pennsylvania
• Simple Tips to Consider Before and During a Road Trip

The Most Common Risks for Car Accidents in Summer Months

Most of us cannot wait for Spring and Summer travel—no ice and snow on the road! However, as the weather warms up, so do the number of situations that increase your risk of a vehicle accident. Here are some of the most common hazards:

1. Traditionally, there is more traffic on the road. More traffic means a greater chance of an accident. Typically, people like to get out this time of year for dining, concert events, festivals…and vacation. As people lose patience with heavy traffic, and because many of those festivities produce drunk drivers, the risk for accidents goes up.
2. Sun glare is the cause of many car crashes. In the early morning and evening hours, when people are commuting to-and-from work, the sun glare can be blinding. If you have been stuck in this situation, you know how dangerous the scenario can be. If possible, adjust your hours or route to work to avoid this dangerous situation. Of course, using sun glasses and your overhead and/or side visors helps, too.
3. More teenagers are on the road. Teenage drivers are at a much greater risk of getting into or causing a car accident. Due to their inexperience, unfortunately, they cause many of the catastrophic auto accidents we see at our firm. Over the summer months, teens are home from college and not in high school classrooms, so, as always, it is important to remain alert on the roads. Driving defensively, checking your mirrors routinely and trying to anticipate what other vehicles on the road may do are all ways to mitigate the risk of car crashes.
4. More construction is done during summer months. Most states like to dig into road projects over the summer. These construction sites cause abnormal changes in speed and lane paths, and put workers close to traffic. It is a combination that can lead to truck, motorcycle and other motor vehicle accidents.
5. More pedestrians and bicyclists are on the road. Lancaster Countians love walking and bicycling through our scenic landscape. With the beautiful scenery and warm weather, more pedestrians and bicyclists are out walking and cycling through the summer months. Even vigilant pedestrians and bicyclists, who do everything they can to protect themselves, can be victims of distracted driving. Drivers who are distracted–by the radio, texting, other cell phone use or something happening within the vehicle–often cause tragic, and sometimes deadly, accidents.
6. There is more wear and tear on your car in the heat. Warmer weather can increase the risk of overheating, a tire blowout and engine problems. That is why it is always important to check your car’s oil, engine, coolant and air conditioning before the heat of the summer. A tire blowout in the midst of heavy traffic can seriously endanger you, your family and others who are on the road.

Statistics in Pennsylvania

Every year, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation works with local municipalities to come up with Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics. Consistently, car accidents spike in summer months, and, not surprising in our state, in the colder winter months as well.  Here is a look at the breakdown.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, 2018

Simple Tips to Consider Before and During a Road Trip

There are some things we can all do to better prepare ourselves for travel and to cut down the risk of an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has put together a checklist for drivers to review as they are planning a road trip. You will see the common thread as you look through the list—expect the unexpected…always.  Besides being sure your cell phone is charged, you should have an emergency roadside kit that contains:

• Cell phone charger
• First Aid Kit
• Flashlight
• Flares and a White Flag
• Jumper Cables
• Tire Pressure Gauge
• Jack (and ground mat) for Changing a Tire
• Work Gloves and a Change of Clothes
• Basic Repair Tools and Duct Tape (for temporarily repairing a hose leak)
• Water and Paper Towels
• Nonperishable Food, Drinking Water and Critical Medicines
• Extra Windshield Washer Fluid
• Maps
• Emergency Blankets, Towels and Coats

Before leaving for your trip, you should also check for any recalls, get your car serviced in order to flag any potential problems and plan out your route. If you are doing a quick vehicle safety check yourself, be sure to look at your vehicle’s battery, lights, cooling system, fluid levels, belts and hoses, wiper blades, air conditioning, floor mats and tires.

Been in an Accident? Call an Attorney Right Away.

Even with all the best preparation, accidents can happen. Unfortunately, many of them are devastating to the accident victim and their family. Loss of wages, debilitating injuries, medical bills and pain and suffering are just a few of the unexpected consequences of a careless and negligent driver.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., our attorneys deal with personal injury and auto accident claims every day. We have handled thousands car, truck and motorcycle accidents, almost always resulting from a distracted driver and a poor choice behind the wheel. If you or someone you know has been injured due to someone else’s fault, give us a call. There is absolutely no fee for us to discuss your claim with you, explain the process and answer your questions. Insurance companies are quick to clean up messes caused by careless drivers, so make sure not to talk with anyone from the insurance company or representing the insurance company before knowing your legal rights.

It is critical to get an attorney who dedicates their practice to helping victims of motor vehicle accidents involved as soon as possible so no missteps are taken with the insurance company. Our experienced attorneys will help you every step of the way and hold the at-fault parties accountable, allowing you to secure maximum compensation for your injuries. We also will guide you through your medical treatment, making sure you know where you can treat, that you are seeing the right doctors and therapists and that all of your medical bills get paid.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we are successful in over 99% of our cases, and we have won more than $90,000,000.00 in awards and settlements for those in Lancaster County who have been hurt in accidents and at work. We can help you, too, and give you the peace-of-mind you need and deserve. Just Call Georgelis First at 1-800-HURT-NOW!