As the temperatures steadily rise with the summer months around the corner, motorists are more likely to lose their cool behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), July through September are considered the most dangerous months for car accidents.
While some factors that increase the risk of summertime car accidents are beyond our control, like sun glare, increased road construction, and the negligent behavior of other drivers, motorists can control how they respond to those situations. Too often, frustration, impatience, or irritability can quickly escalate, causing motorists to engage in unsafe, reckless driving behaviors. This can increase the risk of a serious car accident involving severe injuries and fatalities.
What Is Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving is a serious offense in Ohio. Motorists are expected to obey the rules of the road and avoid unsafe driving behaviors that could endanger other drivers on the road. Reckless driving is when a motorist drives in a way that willfully disregards the safety of their passengers and other drivers on the road. Common examples of reckless driving include the following:
- Speeding: The faster a motorist drives at the time of an accident, the more serious the accident will be due to the extreme force of impact associated with a high-speed accident.
- Tailgating: When a motorist is in a rush, running late, or is stuck behind a slow-moving vehicle, their frustration can quickly escalate to reckless behavior behind the wheel, including driving too close to the vehicle in front of them. This can increase the risk of a rear-end accident.
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals: Another example of reckless driving includes disregarding posted traffic signs and red lights. Reckless drivers often drive through stop signs or run through red lights at a high speed.
- Weaving in and out of lanes without signaling: This is an extremely dangerous example of reckless driving behavior and can cause severe car accidents involving injuries and fatalities.
- Driving the wrong way on a one-way road: This is illegal and can result in a devastating head-on collision.
- Racing: Street racing on public roads is also illegal and is particularly dangerous when the drivers are racing recklessly.
Why Are Driving Conditions More Dangerous in the Summer?
The time period from Memorial Day to Labor Day is known as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer for several reasons. By taking the proper safety precautions, anticipating these warm weather-related driving issues, and obeying the rules of the road, you can avoid a serious car accident during the summer. The following are some of the most common causes of summertime car accidents, and can cause some motorists to engage in reckless driving:
- Sun glare: The sun can cause a blinding glare, particularly when driving during the morning and evening commute when the sun is rising and setting.
- Increased traffic: More motorists are out and about when the weather becomes warm and sunny. That means more bumper-to-bumper traffic and a greater likelihood of motorists becoming frustrated and impatient.
- More teen drivers on the road: School is out during the summer, so more inexperienced, newly licensed teen drivers are on the roads. Teen drivers are more likely to make sudden stops, turn without signaling, and talk or text on their phones while driving.
- More pedestrians and cyclists on the roads: People are also more likely to walk, ride their bikes, and exercise outdoors when the weather is warm and sunny. Motorists must always give pedestrians and cyclists the right of way, even if they are in a hurry.
- More construction: Many cities and states plan major road construction projects for the summer when the weather is warmer. This can be frustrating for motorists since this often causes detours, increased traffic, and confusion.
- Increased wear and tear to your car: It can increase the risk of your vehicle overheating, tire blowouts, and engine problems when it gets extremely hot outside.
How Can I Avoid a Reckless Driving Accident?
While you may not be able to control other motorists with whom you are sharing the road, you can reduce the risk of being involved in a reckless driving accident by taking the following proactive steps:
- Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
- Obey the rules of the road, including always following the speed limit.
- Avoid distractions, including talking or texting on the phone, checking social media, or reaching for something in the back seat.
- Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- If you are involved in a reckless driving accident, contact an experienced car accident lawyer.
Our Cincinnati Car Accident Lawyers at Wolterman Law Office Recover Damages for Victims of Reckless Driving Accidents
If you or a loved one was injured in a reckless driving accident, do not hesitate to contact our Cincinnati car accident lawyers at Wolterman Law Office. We will discuss the details of the accident with you, determine who is responsible for causing the accident, and assist you with every step of the claims process. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 513-488-1135 or contact us online. Our office is located in Loveland, Ohio, and we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.