Summer is here, Wyoming schools are out, and lots of people are taking time off work to vacation with their families and friends. From backyard cookouts to week-long beach trips, it’s a special time of year that’s perfect for making memories. Sadly, for those who suffer injuries in a collision, this might be a summer they’d rather forget.
Throughout the state, collision numbers increase in June, July and August. If you have a teenage driver in your household, he or she is especially at risk. In fact, more teen drivers being on the road during summer is, in fact, one of the factors that increases the risk of collision. There are several other issues that make car accidents more likely at this time of year.
Weather is warm, so people want to be outdoors, which raises collision risks
You might wonder how warm, sunny weather can affect the number of car accidents that happen in Wyoming. However, when temperatures rise, people want to be outdoors to enjoy it. Motorcyclists hop on their bikes, and people with cars and trucks get behind the wheel to travel. Whether it’s making a jaunt to the store for summer party supplies, going on vacation or driving kids to day camp, there’s simply a lot more traffic during summer than you might find on a Wyoming road in colder weather.
There’s a lot of construction going on during summer
You’ve probably noticed that there are more road crews in your community during summer. Laying new roads, trimming trees, constructing homes and commercial buildings, etc., are common projects in June, July and August. With construction comes detours, lane closures and many drivers making sudden, unexpected stops, which, of course, is a recipe for disaster.
Stay hydrated to avoid collisions in summer
So many people in Wyoming walk around in a semi-state of dehydration. Most do not even realize it. The most common symptoms associated with this possibly life-threatening condition are mental confusion, dizziness and excruciating headaches. If a person is severely dehydrated, he or she might hallucinate. Many summertime car accidents occur because of dehydrated drivers on the road.
While it’s not healthy to leave plastic water bottles in a hot car for an extended period, you might want to get into the habit of carrying a personal water bottle with you when you venture out. Staying hydrated is not only one of the best ways to improve your health, but it can help you avoid a collision, as well.
If a collision occurs that results in damages
No matter how safe a driver you are, you can’t control what other motorists (or pedestrians) are doing. If you’re driving along a Wyoming roadway and another vehicle hits you, you will no doubt spend at least several weeks of your summer dealing with the after-effects of the incident. If you suffer moderate to severe or life-threatening injuries, state law allows you to seek restitution for damages.