Summer Gridlock: The Hazards of Driving on Crowded Roads

Dear Friend,

Summer months bring a unique set of challenges to our roadways. Highways and city streets bustle with activity from an influx of tourists and visiting relatives. These warm inviting summer days also give rise to increased traffic congestion and a higher risk of accidents.

Today’s blog highlights some of these dangers, hopefully helps you to avoid an auto collision in the future and goes over what to do if you or someone you love is ever injured due to a negligent driver.
Summer driving hazards:

1. An increase in traffic almost always means an increase in aggressive driving. The summer season with vehicles filled with tourists on vacation in unfamiliar cities and families who’ve been in the cars for hours on their summer road trips can create a traffic nightmare for the locals. This stressful driving environment and crowded conditions can test even the most patient drivers; while impatient drivers become more likely to snap, exhibiting aggressive behavior like tailgating, abrupt lane changes and excessive speeding. All these risky behaviors increase the likelihood of an accident.

2. Distracted driving and Inattentiveness are more of a problem. The allure of summer activities can divert drivers’ attention from the road. Sightseeing, using mobile devices, adjusting GPS systems, or talking with passengers can result in distracted driving. With crowded roads, even a momentary lapse in attention can have devastating consequences, as drivers may fail to notice sudden stops or changing traffic patterns.

3. Incidents of road rage increase. Long waits in traffic and congestion drive some people nuts. No, I mean it, not just banging your fist on the wheel nuts, but actually crazy. For someone on the edge, traffic frustrations may quickly escalate into road rage incidents, with drivers engaging in aggressive behaviors, such as honking, yelling, or trying to harm other drivers.

4. Limited Maneuverability and Increased Rear-End Collisions. Driving on crowded roads often means limited maneuverability and frequent stop-and-go traffic. These conditions increase the risk of rear-end collisions, as drivers may misjudge distances or fail to maintain a safe following distance. Such accidents can result in serious injuries, including whiplash, back injuries, and head trauma.

As summer traffic congestion intensifies, I encourage you to stay calm, stay aware and prioritize safety on the road. There is nothing more important than reaching your destination with yourself, your passengers and those you interact with on the road safe and in one piece.

To wrap this up, if you or someone you love is ever injured due to another driver’s negligence, please reach out to my office 703-761-4343 and 301-949-1515. With over forty years’ experience handling personal injury claims, we are ready to help you in every way we can.

Until next time, please be safe, and NEVER text while driving!

Paul Samakow

Attorney Paul Samakow

Article featured in wtopnews:
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/2024-mazda-cx-90-gets-first-recall-due-to-missing-or-loose-bolts-216857.html
2024 Mazda CX-90 Gets First Recall Due to Missing or Loose Bolts
21 Jun 2023, 12:20 UTC • By:
Mircea Panait