Do Accidents Increase in the Summer?

The summer is a beautiful time of year on Long Island and throughout New York. The air is warm, the grass is green, and the flowers are in bloom. Because of the nice weather, more people are walking around outside, more people are jogging, and a lot more children are outside during the day and night (for teens).

Because school is out, children are at a higher risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident, a bicycle accident, or a drowning accident, so this is something parents need to be aware of during a more relaxed time of year, where parents can naturally put their guard down.

For adults and children alike, the summertime increases the risks of certain types of accidents. Here is a list of the types of accidents that you should be concerned about during the summer:

1. Drowning accidents
2. Car accidents
3. Boating accidents
4. Dog bites
5. Bicycle accidents
6. Motorcycle accidents
7. Pedestrian accidents

Why the uptick in accidents during the summer? Much of it has to do with children and teens being out of school. On June 1, 2016, USA Today reported on data released from AAA: “Teenagers are more likely to get in car accidents during the summer, and the number of deaths that occur in conjunction with teen-related car accidents increases to 10 per day.”

Not surprisingly, driver distraction, such as texting while driving contributed to nearly 60% of the above crashes. So, if you’re a parent of a teenage driver, please teach him or her not to text and drive.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published an article entitled, Summertime is ‘trauma season’ for hospital ERs. In the article, the author, Bill Toland stated, “You may know it as summer, but in emergency rooms across the country, the three-month period that follows is known as “trauma season.” Toland went on to say that it’s “particularly true in the North” where people have been cooped up for months indoors.

Be Extra Careful During the Summer

Do accidents increase during the summer? Yes, absolutely. If you are a parent, please ensure that your children practice proper safety precautions when swimming, riding bicycles, and walking along the public roads. While you’re driving, please pay extra attention to children who may dart out into the street, and be cautious of teens who are texting while driving. Make sure you don’t drink and drive and resist the urge to look at your smartphone while driving.

If you’re looking for a Long Island personal injury lawyer, contact Laurence A. Silverman, Esq., to schedule a free consultation!