Summer Road Trip Dangers: Avoid Car Accidents During Travel Season

Summer is synonymous with sunshine, school breaks, and the open road. Millions of Americans take to the highways during the warmer months, whether for family vacations, weekend getaways, or cross-country adventures. While road trips can create unforgettable memories, summer road trip dangers are also there, and they come with increased risk, especially when it comes to car accidents.

At The Nation Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how the excitement of summer travel can quickly turn into a life-changing tragedy. As traffic volumes spike and distractions increase, so do the chances of being involved in a collision. 

Why Summer Is One of the Most Dangerous Times to Drive

While winter often gets a bad rap for hazardous driving conditions, statistically, summer is one of the most dangerous seasons on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic fatalities consistently rise between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a period often referred to as the "100 Deadliest Days" for drivers.

Several factors contribute to this seasonal surge in accidents:

Increased Travel and Tourist Traffic

With schools out and families taking vacations, the number of vehicles on the road grows dramatically during the summer months. This increase isn’t limited to highways; it also affects local roads, especially near popular tourist destinations.

More drivers on the road mean more congestion, longer travel times, and a higher likelihood of accidents. Tourist drivers may also be unfamiliar with local traffic patterns, leading to sudden stops, missed exits, or wrong-way turns.

Distracted Driving

Whether it’s a GPS system rerouting mid-trip, kids in the backseat asking for snacks, or the temptation to take a quick photo of the scenery, distractions are everywhere on summer road trips.

According to the NHTSA, distracted driving claimed over 3,500 lives in 2021 alone. Texting, eating, adjusting music, and interacting with passengers can all take a driver’s attention off the road, and it only takes a split second for an accident to happen.

Fatigue and Long Driving Hours

Many road trippers aim to "make good time" by pushing long hours behind the wheel. However, driver fatigue is a serious safety hazard. In fact, the CDC has equated drowsy driving to drunk driving, as both impair your reaction time and decision-making abilities.

Summer heat can also intensify fatigue, making drivers more sluggish and less alert, even if they don’t realize it.

More Young and Inexperienced Drivers

With schools out and college students back home, teen drivers are also on the road more frequently during the summer. Inexperience behind the wheel, combined with a multitude of distractions, can increase the risk of accidents.

How to Stay Safe During Summer Road Trips

Road trips don’t have to be risky. With a few smart precautions, you can dramatically reduce your chances of an accident while still enjoying the ride.

1. Plan Ahead

Know your route, check traffic conditions, and plan for rest stops. Apps like Waze or Google Maps can help avoid construction zones and heavy congestion, which are common in summer.

If you're unfamiliar with an area, don’t rely solely on GPS. Review the route in advance and keep a backup plan in case of poor signal or road closures.

2. Avoid Peak Travel Times

Whenever possible, steer clear of high-traffic times, such as Friday afternoons, holiday weekends, and late Sundays when vacationers are returning home.

Driving during less congested hours, like early mornings or midweek, can help you avoid dangerous stop-and-go traffic and impatient drivers.

3. Stay Focused and Alert

Put the phone away, avoid multitasking while driving, and take breaks every 2–3 hours to rest. If you're traveling with others, rotate drivers to avoid fatigue.

Encourage children to use entertainment like audiobooks or games so the driver can focus on the road, not on breaking up backseat squabbles.

4. Be Cautious Around Tourist Areas

Expect the unexpected when driving through vacation destinations. Tourists often make last-minute lane changes, stop suddenly, or slow down to sightsee.

Give other drivers space, use extra caution near attractions or beach areas, and stay patient even when the traffic tests your limits.

5. Inspect Your Vehicle Before You Go

A pre-trip inspection can prevent a mechanical failure on the highway. Check your brakes, tires, battery, lights, oil, and coolant levels. Summer heat can cause tire blowouts and overheating, both of which are preventable with proper maintenance.

What to Do if You’re in an Accident While Traveling

Even with the best planning, accidents can happen. If you're involved in a crash while on a summer road trip:

• Ensure everyone is safe and move out of traffic, if possible.
• Call 911 to report the accident.
• Exchange information with the other driver(s).
• Take photos of the scene, damage, and road conditions.
• Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries take hours or days to appear.
• Contact an attorney at The Nation Law Firm to learn more about your legal options, especially if you were injured.
  
   

If Your Summer Trip Takes a Wrong Turn, We’re Here to Help

Despite our best efforts on the road, accidents can and do happen, often due to someone else’s negligence. In that case, you shouldn’t have to suffer for someone else’s mistake, and you may be entitled to compensation that can help cover medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and more.

At The Nation Law Firm, we understand how devastating a car accident can be, especially when it disrupts a vacation or involves long-distance travel. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process and help you recover the compensation you need and deserve, so you can focus on healing, not fighting with insurance companies.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident this summer, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.