Summer is the busiest and most dangerous time on Georgia roads. More drivers are on the highway for vacations, teen drivers are out of school, and construction projects are in full swing. Understanding the risks and taking precautions can help keep you and your family safe on the road.
Why Summer Is the Most Dangerous Season for Driving
Several factors combine to make summer months especially risky for car accidents in Georgia:
- Increased traffic volume: Vacation travel, road trips, and summer events put more vehicles on the road
- Teen drivers: With school out, there are more inexperienced drivers on the road during all hours of the day
- Motorcycle and bicycle activity: More motorcycles and bicycles share the road during warm months
- Construction zones: Road projects peak during summer, creating hazards and delays
- Heat-related tire blowouts: Hot pavement increases the risk of tire failures, especially on older tires
- Summer storms: Sudden afternoon thunderstorms create slippery roads and reduced visibility
Essential Summer Driving Safety Tips
Follow these tips to reduce your risk of a summer accident:
- Check your vehicle: Inspect tires, brakes, coolant levels, and air conditioning before long trips
- Stay alert and rested: Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. Take breaks every two hours on long trips.
- Watch for pedestrians: More pedestrians are out during summer, especially in downtown Athens and near parks
- Slow down in construction zones: Fines are doubled in Georgia work zones, and the risks are real
- Never drive impaired: Summer parties and cookouts lead to increased drunk driving incidents
- Put the phone down: Distracted driving is one of the top causes of summer accidents
Key stat: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day - sometimes called the 100 Deadliest Days - sees a significant spike in fatal car accidents involving teen drivers.
What to Do If You Are in a Summer Car Accident
If you are involved in an accident this summer in Athens or anywhere in Georgia, remember these steps:
- Check for injuries and call 911 immediately
- Move to safety if possible, but do not leave the scene
- Exchange information with other drivers and document the scene with photos
- Get witness contact information
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine - adrenaline can mask injury symptoms
- Contact a personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement offers
At Wells and McElwee, P.C., we help accident victims throughout Northeast Georgia get the compensation they need to recover. Summer accidents can cause serious injuries, and we are here to fight for your rights.
| Injured in a summer car accident? Contact Wells and McElwee, P.C. for a free consultation today. |
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