Getting into a car accident can result in many unwanted and sad consequences. These consequences include things like permanent injuries, the inability to work, and emotional and mental trauma. For this reason, governments around the world, including those in Tennessee, are taking steps to reduce the amount of automobile accidents that take place on an annual basis. In order to do this, it is necessary to examine accidents that take place throughout the year, look for trends, and then find ways to address the major causes of accidents. Something that might be surprising to learn is that the time of the year plays a major factor in the amount of accidents that take place.
Increase in Accidents during Summer Months in Nashville, Tennessee
The Department of Safety and Homeland Security routinely monitors traffic and motor vehicle accidents throughout the country. They then collect this data and present it in an organized way that allows for the information to quickly be reviewed.
There is a report that shows the amount of automobile accidents that take place on a monthly basis. Information is currently available from 2004 to this date. The information provided shows an interesting yet disturbing trend. During the summer months, there is a slight increase in the amount of automobile accidents in Tennessee.
According to the report, starting in 2004 the number of accidents seems relatively low during the month of January. There is a steady increase in accidents that occur starting in the month of March, and then accidents peak in the month of November before they begin their decline through the winter months.
There are many reasons why accidents would increase during the summer. One reason would be the increase in the number of drivers on the road. Summertime is a time when college students return home and are driving. Teenagers, who are less experienced and often less careful drivers, are also out of school and are driving their vehicles on the road. All of these things unquestionably lead to the increase that is seen in automobile accidents during these months.
Reasons for Increase in Summer Car Accidents
The number one reason for automobile accidents has always been, and will likely always be, distracted driving. Distracted drivers are eating food, talking on their cell phones, sending text messages, or fiddling with the radio instead of paying attention to the road. Summer months provide more distractions to drivers as there are more drivers on the road. Additionally, when people drive during the summer, especially on the weekends, they are doing so because they are looking to engage in recreation. The desire to have fun while driving leads to distractions that result in accidents.
The second cause for increased summer automobile accidents is driving over the speed limit. The likelihood that an individual will get into an automobile accident increases drastically in proportion to the speed they are driving. Additionally, the seriousness of the accident will also increase in proportion to the speed at which an individual is driving. Summer months offer roads that are free of snow, ice, and rain. Nice weather encourages people to roll down the windows and turn up their music.
The third reason for increased summer automobile accidents in Tennessee is driving drunk. When an individual is driving under the influence of alcohol, they do not have the focus necessary to pay attention to the road. Their vision, reflexes, and awareness are all drastically diminished. Sadly, driving drunk is one of the leading causes for driving fatalities, and it is completely and totally avoidable. Summertime when people want to go out with friends, go to the beach, have barbecues, and party. Usually, all of these events involve alcohol consumption. Unfortunately, many people are not content to drink with moderation and some feel that it is okay to get behind the wheel.
Unfortunately, as long as mechanical error and human error are at play, summer automobile accidents will happen. Often times, they will result in property damage and injury that will require victims to seek assistance from personal injury attorneys.
