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Preparing for the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of picnics, vacations, swimming, and deadly accidents. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, there is an increased number of car crashes. From 2012 to 2017, there were more than 5,000 deaths during this time frame. Let’s look at the five most common reasons behind crashes and ways that you can stay safe.

1. Be Aware of Increased Traffic

The main reason for the 100 deadliest days is that there are more drivers on the road. Memorial Day is usually the time that school lets out and there are more teen drivers on the road. Teen drivers are less experienced and usually dealing with a lot of distractions. Teens aren’t the only drivers on the road though. More individuals and families are heading out to enjoy the weather, attend popular summertime events, and going on vacations. With more drivers on the road, the more likely it is that there will be collisions.

2. No Impaired and Drowsy Driving

Long road trips, big parties, and holiday celebrations lead a lot of people to drive while impaired in some way. Whether it is alcohol, drugs, or driving drowsy, people are getting behind the wheel of a car unable to drive safely. If you find yourself in any of these situations, don’t rationalize that you are good enough to drive. Instead, find a friend to be your designated driver or call a ride share or taxi service. It’s never worth putting your life and those around you at risk.

3. Don’t Forget to Buckle Up

When the sun is really hot, it’s not comfortable to buckle up. Don’t wait until they cool off. Don’t worry about being too wet or that you’re close enough to home that you neglect it either. If you are driving, you are responsible for making sure everyone in your car has a seat belt and is wearing it. Even minor collisions can have fatal results when proper restraints aren’t used.

4. Watch Your Speed

Driving too fast is a common cause for car crashes. With dry roads, clear skies, and fun things to do, drivers tend to drive a little more recklessly. Combine this reason with more drivers on the road and it is a recipe for disaster. The most common reason for speeding is because you’re late or have some sort of road rage. Plan and make sure you leave on time, giving yourself a buffer for bad traffic. With more people out driving and pedestrians out walking, it is important that you don’t speed so that everyone can stay safe. If you ever find yourself in a situation where another driver wants to race, don’t do it. It is illegal and dangerous.

5. Avoid Distracted Driving

Texting and driving is the most common distraction for drivers. Don’t mess with your phone in any way while operating a vehicle. Pull off the road and out of traffic if you must enter an address, take a call, or send a text. Even looking down for a few seconds can cause fatal results.