Summer Driving Accidents

Increased Car Accidents During the Summer

You might expect the number of auto accidents to decline with warmer weather. With the lack of ice and snow on the ground, it seems as if there are fewer causes of accidents. Unfortunately, this is not the case. With more drivers on the road traveling to the beach, vacations and other summer activities, the rate of auto accidents actually increases.

Causes of Summer Car Accidents in New Jersey

There are many things that can lead to a summer accident, as outlined below:

Teen Driving

You will find more teens on the road during the summer months because they’re out of school. Teen drivers have less experience and are often distracted by cell phones, social media and loud music. Additionally, they are more likely to be driving with friends in the car, which further affects attention levels, causing unsafe conditions for the driver, their passengers, and anyone they are sharing the roadways with.

Driving Under the Influence

Summer is a time of celebration and relaxation for many people. There are generally more parties, nights out with friends, and celebrations. The holidays that fall in the summer months, including Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, are also often considered party days,. This increases the rate of drinking and driving under the influence. Drinking reduces reaction times and leads to poor decision making, which can result in DUI accidents.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is not reserved for teen drivers. Adults can give into the same temptations that can reduce attention while driving. Cell phones, eating, applying makeup, and paying attention to backseat passengers can all lead to a dangerous driving situation. In fact, many states have made using a smartphone while driving illegal in an attempt to reduce distracted driving occurrences.

How You Can Stay Safe While Driving During the Summer

With an increase in summertime accidents, it can be useful to follow these steps to keep you and your passengers safe:

• Avoid using your smartphone while driving: It is best to put your smartphone in a location where you can’t reach it while you are driving to reduce any temptation. Many cell phones and cars also have options that can be selected that mute texts while a car is in motion, and send courtesy response messages to alert others that you will answer their texts or calls once you are out of your vehicle.
• Arrange alternative transportation when celebrating: Even just one drink of alcohol can affect your judgment and reaction time. If you plan on drinking at an upcoming celebration, consider arranging alternative transportation ahead of time. Ride-sharing apps, such as Uber and Lyft, provide easy alternatives to mitigate the risks associated with drinking and driving, driving while tired, and driving while distracted.
• Monitor teen driving: Monitoring a new teen driver can help them stay safe on the road. Take advantage of any safety features on your car that monitors teen driving.

How to Best Prepare In Case of an Accident in Jersey City, NJ

No one wants to get into a car accident. But, unfortunately, they are not always preventable, especially if the other driver was at fault. Keep your insurance and registration on you at all times. Know when to call a lawyer following a car accident and always take photos or video evidence when possible.

Contact Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. to Discuss Your Hazlet Car Accident Case Today

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? You need a competent, capable, caring, and trusted attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin & Warshaw represent clients injured because of car accidents all across New Jersey, including Middletown, Howell, Brick and Red Bank. Call our offices at (732) 747- 3730 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. You don’t pay until we win. We have offices conveniently located at 25 Reckless Place, Red Bank, NJ 07701, as well as offices in 3315 NJ-35, Hazlet, NJ 07730 and 937 Cedar Bridge Ave, Brick Township, NJ 08723. If it is more convenient for you, our attorneys are also available to come see you anywhere in New Jersey.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. directly.