How Does Warmer Weather Increase the Risk of a Car Accident?

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How Does Warmer Weather Increase the Risk of a Car Accident?

Posted on behalf of Jeff Pitman on June 29, 2018 in Car Accidents
Updated on February 24, 2022

traffic on sunny day When the temperature rises, your risk of a car accident may also go up. There are many reasons for this, some having to do with how the heat affects your car and others having to do with how the heat affects other drivers. Learn more about the risks of warmer weather below.

If you are injured in an accident caused by the carelessness of another driver, contact a skilled Milwaukee auto accident attorney for information about your legal options. We offer a free, no obligation legal consultation to determine if you have a case.

Glare from the Sun

One of the risks of warm, sunny weather is glare from the sun. This can impair the visibility of everyone on the road, possibly increasing the chances of a crash.

Drivers should wear polarized sunglasses whenever they are on the road during the day. Polarized sunglasses are one of your best defenses against the intense glare from the sun during the summer months. If you wear prescription glasses, see if you can afford prescription sunglasses as well.

You should also try to limit the amount of time you are on the road when your vehicle is facing the sun and the sun is at its brightest. If you need to be somewhere in the morning, try to leave a little bit earlier so the sun is not as bright. If you are leaving somewhere just before the sun is down, wait a few minutes until the sun is completely down.

More Drivers on the Road

There are a lot more cars on the road during the summer. There are many reasons for this: people are driving to outdoor concerts, families are taking vacations, and teenagers are taking road trips or driving to or from part-time summer jobs. In fact, there is an increased risk of accidents involving teenage drivers during the summer.

With more vehicles on the road, the chance to be involved in an accident increases, particularly because many of these drivers are teenagers who are inexperienced behind the wheel. Before heading out this summer, try to avoid peak hours when there is likely to be more traffic and less patient drivers. You should also practice defensive driving, which includes keeping a close eye on the cars around you. You cannot count on other drivers being good drivers.

Driver Fatigue

The hot sun can add to driver fatigue, which in turn can cause drivers to make driving mistakes like:

Drifting into other lanes
Delayed reaction time
Missing exits or traffic signs

Hitting a rumble strip
Lower overall driving performance

It is important to avoid traveling too long when the weather is warm. If you get tired while driving, pull over and take a break. When traveling long distances, stop every couple of hours to take a break and switch spots with another driver, if possible. You should also remember to stay hydrated, as this can help you avoid fatigue.

Increased Stress on Your Vehicle

The summer heat can also take a toll on your vehicle. The summer heat can lead to possible problems like:

Increased risk of overheating of your vehicle
Increased risk of tire blowouts, particularly when the asphalt is hot
Increased risk of equipment malfunctions

These potential problems can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, possibly causing a serious accident that could injure you and anyone else in your vehicle.

Before taking any long journeys this summer, be sure to have your vehicle thoroughly inspected. Check your engine for any sun- or heat-related problems. Check your fluid levels for your oil, engine and coolant. Also, have your air conditioner inspected and check your tires for adequate tread depth.

Discuss Your Case with an Attorney

Sometimes, even if you take all of the proper safety precautions, a careless driver may cause serious harm to you. The reputable Milwaukee personal injury attorneys at PKSD can help you with every aspect of your personal injury claim. We can identify who may be responsible for your accident and what damages you can pursue compensation.

We can discuss your legal options during a free legal consultation. Because we work on a contingency basis and charge no upfront fees, there is no risk for you to learn about your rights and possibility of recovering compensation.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form or call us at 877-877-2228.

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