A Crash Course on Springtime Auto Accidents
- ELF Legal
- Mar 20, 2023
- 7 min read
In 2020, there were almost 228.2 million licensed drivers in the United States – 7,521,750 of them were from right here in Georgia.
With so many people on the road each day, it’s all too easy to forget what a dangerous practice road travel can be. Heart disease, cancer and COVID-19 were the three leading causes of death in the U.S. Just behind them was accidental death – which includes car accidents.
While Summer leads the seasons for the months with the most automobile accidents in July and August, a rise in the number of road trips and sunshine slow downs at the height of the evening rush hour makes Spring the “springboard” for a potential spike in car crashes.
According to a recently published report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 38,824 people killed in motor vehicle accidents on U.S. roadways during 2020 – the largest number since 2007.
Skip ahead:
Weather-Related Hazards
Spring weather is unpredictable, often shifting from sunshine to sudden rain showers. These changes can create hazardous road conditions, such as slick surfaces and reduced visibility.
Wet Roads and Hydroplaning: Spring showers make roads slippery, increasing the risk of losing traction. To stay safe, reduce speed during rain and ensure your tires are properly maintained.
Fog and Glare: Early mornings may bring fog, reducing visibility, while the sun’s glare can make it difficult to see road signs or oncoming traffic. Keep sunglasses handy and use headlights when necessary.
Potholes and Road Damage: Harsh winter conditions often leave roads with potholes and cracks. Hitting a pothole can damage your vehicle or cause a sudden loss of control. Stay alert and avoid large potholes when possible.
Increased Traffic and Distractions
Springtime means more vehicles on the road, including cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians enjoying the pleasant weather. With increased activity comes a higher chance of collisions.
More Pedestrians and Cyclists: Warmer weather encourages outdoor activities, meaning drivers must be more vigilant in residential areas and near parks.
Tourist and Holiday Traffic: Spring break and holidays bring more travelers unfamiliar with local roads, leading to unpredictable driving patterns.
Distracted Driving: Drivers may be tempted to enjoy the scenery or check their phones. Stay focused and avoid distractions to maintain control of your vehicle.
Preventive Measures For Safer Driving
To minimize the risk of springtime accidents, drivers should take proactive steps to prepare for seasonal changes.
Check Vehicle Maintenance
Inspect tires, brakes, and windshield wipers to ensure they are in optimal condition.
Adjust Driving Habits
Slow down in wet conditions, maintain a safe following distance, and stay alert in areas with heavy foot traffic.
Stay Aware of Weather Conditions
Before heading out, check the forecast and plan accordingly for rain, fog, or sudden temperature drops.
Motorcyclists Are Back on the Road—And Harder to See
Warmer weather means motorcycles are out in full force. But here’s the thing—they’re much smaller than cars, which means they can easily slip into blind spots or go unnoticed at intersections.
The stats don’t lie:
In Georgia, motorcyclists make up just 2% of vehicles on the road but account for 11% of traffic fatalities.
Over half of motorcycle crashes involve riders without a valid motorcycle license.
Nationally, nearly 80% of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death, compared to just 20% for passenger vehicles. (NHTSA)
What happens after a motorcycle accident?
Statistically Speaking
As of 2023, there were approximately 243.35 million licensed drivers in the U.S. In 2022, that number was 238 million and in 2021, 232 million. In 2024, 8.85 million of them were from right here in Georgia.
With so many people on the road each day, it’s easy to forget what a dangerous practice road travel can be.
During the spring and summer months, fatal crashes tend to peak on weekends and between 8PM and 11:59PM, while non-fatal crashes tend to peak on weekdays – particularly Fridays – and typically fall between 4PM and 7:59PM.
So, what can you do to protect yourself and the ones that you love as you begin making plans for Spring and Summer vacations AND make the daily drive to and from work, school, the grocery store, your favorite restaurants, and more?
8 Ways To Avoid a Springtime Auto Accident
Of the estimated 5,215,071 non-fatal crashes in 2020, roughly 2.28 million people were injured in auto accidents on U.S. roads – marking a year-over-year decrease of 17%.
Most of these accidents involved speeding, alcohol-impaired-driving, and seat belt non-use. During the spring and summer months, fatal crashes have a tendency to peak on weekends and between 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m., while non-fatal crashes tend to peak on weekdays – particularly Fridays – and typically fall between 4 to 7:59 p.m.
So, what can you do to protect yourself and the ones that you love as you begin making plans for Spring and Summer vacations AND make the daily drive to and from work, school, the grocery store, your favorite restaurants and more?
1. Buckle Up
Due in large part to stringent laws, an estimated 90% of front-seat adult drivers and passengers wear their seatbelts.
Unfortunately, among passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2020, more than half were unrestrained. It’s simply a best practice to buckle up and encourage your passengers to do the same.
2. Make Sure Your Children’s Car Seats Are Properly Installed
An improperly installed car seat may result in an avoidable injury to your littlest passengers.
Feel free to visit your local fire department and have them check your car seat to ensure it’s properly installed – not just for the safety of your children, but also for your peace of mind.
3. Don’t Text and Drive
While there isn’t much you can do – short of taking a defensive driving course from Georgia's Department of Driver Services– to protect yourself from the actions of others, you can prevent and power down bad driving habits.
If one of those is texting and driving, you should know that the practice of “distracted driving” is the cause of roughly 3,000 deaths and 400,000 injuries each year.
4. Drive Sober and Rested
The NHTSA reports that every day, an estimated 28 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes. That’s one person every 52 minutes.
Again, while you can’t necessarily protect yourself from the actions of others, you can make the conscious decision not to drink and drive – setting a good example for any up-and-coming young drivers in the passenger and back seats.
5. Don’t Block the Airbags
You could fill Mercedes Benz Stadium to overflow with the lives saved by airbags since they were first introduced in 1987.
However, an airbag can cause injury when deployed if the driver or passenger is too close to the point of deployment.
While it might feel more comfortable to sit close to the dashboard, it might be in your best interest to shift your seat a little further back, so you’ll only be protected by the airbag and not injured by its impact in the event of an accident.
6. Make Sure You’re Properly Insured
While the main focus of this article is related to your physical safety, if you’re not properly insured and are at fault in an accident, your bank account might wind up taking the biggest hit.
A good insurance plan will also protect you if you are injured in a no-fault accident or by an uninsured driver.
7. Watch For Pedestrians and Cyclists
Springtime increases pedestrian and cyclist traffic on Georgia's roads, making it essential to stay aware, especially in urban areas and near parks and schools.
Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, and give cyclists the space they need. Remember, sharing the road safely helps prevent accidents and saves lives.
8. Have a Good Personal Injury Attorney in Your Contacts List
When meeting people or handing over our business cards, you’ll often hear John Edmonson say, “We hope you’ll never need our services.”
As a personal injury, workers’ compensation, and social security disability law firm, we often meet our clients in their deepest moments of need – whether injured in an on-the-job accident or involved in a motor vehicle crash.
What To Do After a Car Accident
Despite precautions, accidents can still happen. If you're involved in one, take the following steps:
Check for Injuries: Ensure everyone is safe and call emergency services if needed.
Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move vehicles out of traffic to avoid further collisions.
Document the Scene: Take photos, gather witness statements, and exchange information with other drivers.
Contact a Lawyer: If you experience injuries or damages, seeking legal advice can help protect your rights.
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Spring driving requires extra awareness due to changing weather conditions, increased traffic, and road hazards. By staying alert and following these safety measures, drivers can reduce their chances of accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, the Edmonson Law Firm is here to help.
If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident that resulted in an injury, we encourage you to contact us to schedule a FREE consultation where we will discuss your case in greater detail.
You can reach The Edmonson Law Firm, the leading law firm in Georgia for personal injury attorney cases, by calling (678) 271-9111, filling out our secure online contact form, or dropping by our office – located at 924 Gainesville Hwy, Suite 200, in Buford, GA.
To learn about our other practice areas – including workers’ compensation and social security disability – be sure to visit us online at www.elf-legal.com.
From all of us here at Georgia’s Hometown Law Firm, we wish you and your family a happy and SAFE Spring!
