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Car accidents can occur at any time. And although most people understand that it can be dangerous to drive during the snowy winter months, a high number of car accidents also take place in the spring. In fact, studies have found that fatal car crashes in the U.S. increase by 6% during the week following the change to daylight saving time in the spring. In this article, we examine some of the dangers associated with driving during the spring.
Common Causes of Spring Car Accidents
There are several common causes of spring car accidents, including:
Drowsy driving: The change to daylight saving time that occurs each spring often disrupts people’s sleep schedules, and this results in more drowsy drivers on the road. On average, there is a six percent increase in fatal car wrecks the week following daylight saving time.
Intoxicated drivers: As the weather gets warmer, people tend to spend more time at outdoor gatherings, restaurants, barbecues, and other places where alcohol is typically available. Unfortunately, this leads to an increase in the number of intoxicated drivers on the road, thereby resulting in a spike in car accidents.
Poor weather: Although people are generally aware of poor weather conditions during the winter, they are often not prepared for sudden changes in weather during the spring. During the spring, temperatures can unexpectedly shift, catching drivers off guard. For example, drivers are often unprepared for sudden snowstorms and freezes during the spring. In addition, major storms during the spring can reduce traction, limit visibility, and flood the roads.
Increase of pedestrians and cyclists: Warm weather tends to result in an increase of pedestrians and cyclists on or near the roads. Often, this increase in pedestrians and bikers results in an increase in car accidents.
Construction zones: Finally, warm weather provides construction crews with the chance to make road repairs that weren’t possible during the winter. This increased presence of construction workers on the roads during the spring sometimes results in automobile accidents.
The Bottom Line
Car accidents increase in the spring, so drivers should remain vigilant at all times when out on the road. By remaining aware of your surroundings and being cognizant of the above causes of spring car accidents, you can drastically reduce your odds of being involved in an accident. However, if you have suffered injuries in a New York car accident, you should contact an experienced Long Island car accident lawyer as soon as possible for assistance.
Contact a Long Island Car Accident Attorney
At Dell & Dean, PLLC, we are here to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and obtain the justice you deserve. When you come to us for assistance, we will do everything in our power to obtain a successful result in your car accident case. Please contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Long Island car accident attorney.
