Ask a Lawyer: Why Summer can be the Most Dangerous Time of the Year

Most people think of winter as the most dangerous season. Ice, snow, and poor driving conditions certainly create hazards. But from a personal injury lawyer’s perspective, summer is often the most dangerous time of the year.

Why?  Well, here in the Tri-State, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, roads become busier, construction projects increase, children are out of school, and more people spend time outdoors. The result is a significant increase in preventable injuries. 

Safety experts often refer to this period as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” because serious crashes and accidental injuries tend to rise during these months. 

Distracted Driving Remains Public Enemy Number One

One of the leading causes of serious injury cases we see is distracted driving. Summer travel often means unfamiliar roads, GPS use, increased traffic, and more distractions inside the vehicle. A driver looking at a text message or adjusting a navigation system for just a few seconds can travel the length of a football field without watching the road. 

The best defense to distracted driving is simple: put the phone away, set your route before you begin driving, and focus on the task of operating your vehicle.

Obviously, folks with motorcycles like to get out and ride when the weather is nice.  However, motorcycle accidents can produce fatalities and some of the worst injuries because the motorcycle driver has little protection from impact.  Motorcycle riders always tell me they are careful, but it is often the other (distracted) driver that causes the accident.

Construction Zones Require Extra Attention

Road construction projects are everywhere during the summer. While these projects improve our infrastructure, they also create hazards. Lane shifts, reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes, and sudden traffic changes contribute to accidents every year. Drivers who speed through work zones place both themselves and construction workers at risk.  Also, construction workers must setup and maintain the proper signs and traffic routing for the construction zone traffic.

Water Activities Carry Hidden Risks

Summer also brings boating, swimming, and other water activities on the Ohio or down at Lake Barkley. Unfortunately, every year families are devastated by preventable drownings and serious water-related injuries. Whether you’re operating a boat or supervising children around a pool, vigilance matters. Many tragedies occur in a matter of seconds. 

What Should You Do After an Injury?

If you are involved in an accident, your health comes first. Seek medical treatment promptly, follow your doctor’s recommendations, and document what happened. Photographs, witness information, and timely medical records often become critical evidence later.

Most importantly, don’t assume that because an insurance company seems friendly, it is looking out for your interests. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is often to minimize payouts.  Certainly, consulting with a lawyer about your rights and options is a good option if your hurt this summer in an accident.