Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and a deadly time of year on U.S. roadways. Nationwide, the number of crash fatalities involving teen drivers historically rises during what’s called the “100 Deadliest Days,” a period that runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Sadly, this grim trend doesn’t end with teen drivers. According to the National Safety Council, all drivers are at a higher risk of being involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident during summertime because more people drive more miles during the summer months, compared to the rest of the year. However, knowing who you may encounter while on the road and the dangers they present, will help you stay safe all summer long:
Vacationers – Vacationing drivers are likely to be unfamiliar with the area they are driving through, and that can lead to last minute braking and sudden swerves. Out-of-town visitors may also drive slower than other motorists because they are confused by local traffic signs, patterns or laws, or they are looking for exits or admiring the scenery. People driving recreational vehicles or those hauling boats or campers may be inexperienced driving this type and size of vehicle and/or their vision may be obstructed. When driving around RVs, or vehicles with trailers or out-of-state plates, watch for signs of hesitation and erratic maneuvers. Give yourself an extra cushion of space and reduce your speed to allow yourself more time to react to problems.
Teen Drivers – Teenagers are just learning the rules of the road and how to operate a vehicle. This lack of skills and experience means that they often underestimate dangerous situations. Teens are also more likely than older drivers to engage in risky behaviors, such as texting while driving, speeding and tailgating, and they get distracted easily, particularly if their friends are in the vehicle. Stay alert, and be prepared to respond with defensive actions and maneuvers to counteract or avoid problems caused by their poor judgment.
Speeders – While winter is associated with icy roads and the need to drive slowly and cautiously, summer’s sunny skies have a way of making some motorists throw caution to the wind and rediscover their need for speed. Stay calm and give speeders plenty of space. When vehicles are flying by in the left lane, racing or weaving, stay put in your lane and maintain a steady speed.
Aggressive Drivers – Not only do vehicles heat up during the summer months, so do the drivers inside them. If you are confronted with an impatient or aggressive driver, slow down, add space around your vehicle, and let the other driver pass you. Stay calm, and don’t make any challenging maneuvers, such as speeding up, to escalate an already tense situation.
Impaired Drivers – Summer is a time for socializing, beach parties, camping, boating, ball games and barbeques. Any one of these can involve drinking. Keep your guard up day and night, and if you notice that a vehicle is straddling the center line; weaving or swerving; making unusually wide turns; tailgating; making sudden or illegal turns; rapidly accelerating; stopping abruptly; or responding slowly to traffic signals, the driver may be impaired. Stay as far away from that vehicle as possible, be prepared to take evasive action, and contact law enforcement as soon as it is safe to do so.
Fatigued Drivers – The additional heat in summer and traffic delays can make drivers feel more tired and less alert than usual, particularly those who aren’t used to driving for extended periods of time. Quite often, fatigued drivers take on the same characteristics as a drunk driver. So, pay particular attention for drivers who have difficulty completing normal roadway maneuvers and keep a safe distance.
Motorcyclists, Bicyclists, and Riders of Electric Bikes and Scooters – Due to their small size, motorcycles, bicycles, and electric bikes and scooters can easily be hidden from view. Riders have less protection than you do, and collisions almost always result in injury. Keep a watchful eye out, leave extra space, and share the road responsibly whenever you encounter motorcyclists, bicyclists or riders of electric bikes or scooters.
Pedestrians – Longer days and warmer temperatures bring people outside, especially in congested towns and cities where pedestrians often consider the roadway an extension of the sidewalk. Scan both sides of the street when approaching intersections and when turning—either right or left, and be prepared to come to a full stop. Be especially mindful of pedestrians who might be distracted while walking.
With many people only thinking about warm weather fun this time of year, it’s up to professional drivers like you to be attentive to the driving tasks at hand. Buckle up, slow down, keep your eyes moving, and give yourself an added cushion of space in order to react to hazardous situations. Pre-plan your route, allow extra time to reach your destination, and avoid peak traffic periods whenever possible, to eliminate unnecessary delays and frustration.
