Driving in the Winter Is Bad, But Is the Summer Worse?

Driving this winter is bad, but is it worse than driving in the summer?

This winter is pretty rough. The icy roads and below-freezing temperatures have already caused several crashes, delays, and even some fatalities. In different areas across the northeast, people are literally up to their knees in snow. But even with the harsh weather conditions of winter, summer driving is still more dangerous.

I have a list of reasons why, and this list includes:

• When school is out, more teenagers are on the road. Teenagers are more likely to be involved in an accident than any other age group.
• There are more travelers on the roads during the summer. Experts are predicting that over two hundred million people will travel on vacation this summer, and the vast majority of them will be taking an automobile.
• Hot weather can be dangerous. Being in the heat too long can cause dehydration, especially for drivers on long trips. Also, tires are more likely to explode in the summertime, because the hot air causes your tires to expand.
• It's party time. The best parties usually happen in the summer, let's face it. Unfortunately, this is also the time when the most alcohol and drug-related driving accidents occur. Celebration and intoxication create a dangerous mix, and they also make July 4 the most dangerous day to drive, statistically.
• Motorcyclist, bicyclists, and other cyclists are riding. While more Americans are driving this summer, there are also more Americans riding this summer. Motorcyclists and pedalcyclists are more likely to have severe accidents, and accounted for more than 129,000 injuries in 2011, according to the NHTSA.

In the summer, not only do the number of traffic accidents increase, the severity of the traffic accidents increases too. The accident rate increases about twenty percent in the three months of summer. And the number of concussions, bruises, breaks, and internal injuries tends to increase during this time too.

Despite years of statistical data that proves otherwise, most people still have the perception that winter driving is not as safe as summer driving. A survey conducted by the University of Minnesota in 2010 found that over eighty percent of drivers believed winter was the most dangerous time to drive, while just eight percent believed the summer was the most dangerous driving season. This false perception leads to more erratic driving during a time when should be exercising more caution.

Dangerous conditions become more obvious in the winter. The winter weather produces slippery roadways, and poor visibility. Additionally, news outlets and public safety officials are more aggressive with traffic control efforts in harsh winter conditions. As a result, more drivers tend to stay at home and avoid the roads until things clear up.

Driving in the winter can be tough, but statistics have shown that it's much safer than driving during the summer. Don't let your guard down. Remember to wear your seatbelt or helmet, drive within the speed limit, and never operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs.

Make sure you are covered in an accident. Compare plans when you're buying auto insurance online, and take time to learn about the different types of auto insurance.