Warm – weather and holidays bring fun, but also more accidents caused by:
Increased travel and car traffic
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that cars have the highest fatality rate per passenger mile of any major form of transportation. Summer holiday traffic Increased alcohol consumption In 2021, 13,384 people died in alcohol impaired driving traffic deaths according to the NHTSA.
Other summer traffic factors
- Summer heat puts pressure on brakes, tires, windshield wipers and more.
- Construction zones cause jams, detours, and bring workers close to vehicles.
- Motorcyclists are difficult to see.
- Storms bring wind, rain and flooding.
Summer and seat belts
The NHTSA reminds all motorists that wearing a seat belt is one of the best defenses to prevent injury and death in a crash.
Safe driving in holiday traffic Large trucks need additional space between vehicles to allow for safe braking and unexpected actions. In crashes, large trucks most often hit the vehicle in front of them.
Safe driving in holiday traffic
Just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Refraining from the following activities while driving can minimize distractions:
• Texting – which is illegal for CMV drivers.
• Focusing on buildings, billboards and people.
• Eating and drinking.
• Interacting with dashboard electronics.
• Dialing a cell phone.
• Using a dispatching device.
