Summer and Driving Dangers
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June 30, 2025
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Summer Driving Dangers
Summer brings road trips and beach days, but it is also the most dangerous time for car accidents. Working with motor vehicle accident (MVA) patients, I see the toll of summer crashes, from whiplashes to serious injuries. The months between Memorial Day and Labor Day, often called the “100 Deadliest Days,” are especially risky. Why is summer driving so hazardous, and how can you stay a little safer? I am Dr. Aaron Workman of Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated car accident medical care programs in Kentucky, and I will discuss some of the dangers and a few simple tips to keep you protected on the road.
Why Summer Roads Are Risky
Summer roads are busy with vacationers, tourists, and teens out of school, creating crowded highways and city streets. Teen drivers, like the ones I have, are new to the wheel, and are more likely to speed or get distracted, raising crash risks. Warm weather also brings more alcohol-related crashes from summer parties, with drunk driving spiking during holidays like the Fourth of July. Road construction zones pop up, slowing traffic and causing confusion in areas where the roadway has been altered. Sudden rainstorms make roads slick, catching drivers off guard when they need to stop fast.
Dangers and Injuries
With the increase in summer accidents also comes the increase in injuries and trauma. Rear-end collisions, common when drivers are distracted or stop suddenly, often lead to whiplash, neck, or back pain. More severe accidents can result in broken bones or head injuries, especially in high-speed or drunk-driving crashes. Motorcyclists and pedestrians face extra risks in summer, with more bikes on the road and walkers crossing busy areas. Parks and sidewalks are full of people out enjoying their day with some of those possibly ending up on the roadways.
Drive Smart
As a doctor who gets to take notes on everyone’s accident details, I know summer needs extra caution. With all the extra vehicles on the road, giving others more time to react can be a life saver. Braking slowly and early along with signaling properly can all help other drivers avoid hitting you. Distractions like texting are a huge problem, and if you do not believe me just watch people driving around you. Not everyone is really paying attention. Taking your eyes off the road for just a second can lead to a crash. With kids, people on bicycles, and construction zones everywhere, staying alert is staying on top of things.
Tips to Stay Safe
Start your turn signal early, as Kentucky law requires, this will help those not paying attention behind you. Check your tires and fluids before long drives. Excessive heat can cause problems that you do not want to deal with on the side of the highway. Skip texting or drinking and driving, as both are big MVA causes. Watch for pedestrians and those on bicycles, especially in busy areas like beach towns and vacation spots. In rain, slow down to prevent sliding and use your headlights for visibility. Keep a small emergency kit, with bandages and water, in your car. If an accident leaves you hurt, document the scene, and visit a clinic like Chambers Medical Group for care. Summer roads are risky, but a few smart choices can keep you safe.
Summer driving is fun but full of hazards, from distracted teens to drunk drivers and slick roads. By understanding these risks, you can protect yourself and others. Crashes cause injuries like whiplash or worse, but signaling early, staying focused, and preparing for heat or rain can make a difference. If you find yourself injured during the peak dangers of summer driving, then Chambers Medical Group is here to help. Keep your eyes on the road and drive smart to enjoy your summer safely.
— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.
