How To Minimize Summer Auto Accidents
Florida is famous for its summer weather, but what many do not realize is that it can be more dangerous to be out and around during summer than it is during the rest of the year. While obviously no one can ensure their total safety short of living in a bubble, there are tactics that you can employ to ensure that your risk of accidents in summer will be minimized.
Be aware of tourists and vacationers. Especially in Florida’s tourist destinations like Tampa, Orlando and Miami, there are more people on the roads during summer. More specifically, there are more people on the roads who are unfamiliar with Florida’s traffic laws and with the flow of traffic during rush hour or in the evening – the majority of tourists that visit are domestic (approximately 102 million in 2017), which means more of them drive as opposed to flying in. This can lead to accidents as miscommunications happen on the road – however, these are not inevitable with a bit of awareness.
Ensure your car is properly maintained. Making certain that your vehicle is kept in good order can help to cut down on potential problems that might be encountered with defective or worn-out parts. Tires in particular can be an issue, with many accidents in summer weather and construction being at least partly due to tire blowouts or hydroplaning. If a worn-out part causes an accident, it may be deemed that the car’s owner was negligent in failing to know it was worn-out, so staying on top of such potential problems can help insulate you from liability.
Stay calm behind the wheel! Between tourists and young teenagers who are out of school in summertime, it can be easy to get frustrated on Tampa’s roads. Aggressive driving, speeding, and other such behaviors are some of the most common contributors to road accidents, especially in bad weather or if alcohol is involved, and it is not only teens who may fall prey to such dangerous tactics in order to try to get to their destination more quickly, though teens statistically do have disproportionately higher rates of both distracted driving and crashes per mile driven.
Pay attention to the weather. The Florida heat is at its strongest during the summer months, and on top of the temperatures, hurricane season kicks in toward August and September, bringing rain and pressure shifts even when no actual hurricanes hit. Hydroplaning is a real concern, especially on tires that have been subject to high temperatures for months. If your luck runs out, it is possible to simply lose control of your vehicle on wet pavement, which is a truly terrifying experience for anyone.
Seek Experienced Legal Help From A Tampa Auto Accident Attorney
Florida summers can be wonderful, but it is always a good idea to be cautious when on the road. If you or a loved one is involved in an accident, it is critical to ensure you have a knowledgeable attorney on your side. The Rinaldo Law Group has years of experience in personal injury matters that they are happy to put to work for you and yours. Fill out the online form or contact the firm’s Tampa offices today at 813-831-9999 to set up a free consultation.
Resource:
orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-florida-vacation-2017-tourism-116-million-20180320-story.html
