The road can be a dangerous place at any time of year, but it is especially hazardous during the summer. The time between Labor Day and Memorial Day has developed the nickname of the “100 deadliest days of summer”.
Over the last few years, these 100 days have seen such an increase in car accidents and fatalities that it has gotten the news’s attention. It is not the days of the year that result in higher rates of accidents and deaths, so what is it about this so terminal window?
Factors of these deadly days
Many issues contribute to the more dangerous roadways during the summer. Some of the primary contributions include:
- More young drivers – schools closing for the summer means that teens have more free time to spend on the road. Even though most young adults have their license, they can still make inexperienced decisions.
- Drinking and driving – college students and high school students have more free time during the summer. Summer parties and barbeques can result in more people, adults, and minors, getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol.
- Speeding – road trips are a great way to spend a family vacation, but they can be dangerous if the driver is trying to beat the traffic or cut time on the road by speeding. Driving above the speed limit reduces the amount of time a driver has to react to obstacles or threats on the roadway, making accidents more likely.
- Fatigue – after spending the day behind the wheel on a road trip, drivers are likely to become exhausted. While they may think that one more hour on the road is harmless, it can be fatal. Fatigued drivers are extremely vulnerable to falling asleep behind the wheel, not reacting to dangers in time, or swerving into other vehicles or oncoming traffic.
The reckless or negligent decisions that people make can cause lifelong consequences for those around them on the road.
Take the time to make the right decision behind the wheel this summer, and if you suspect someone is driving recklessly around you, safely distance yourself from them on the road.