Most Pennsylvanians might consider the winter months of ice and snow to be the most dangerous for drivers. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that July through September are actually some of the deadliest months on the road.
So, what makes the roads so dangerous in the summertime?
Summer is the season of construction–and traffic
Summer is generally the only time that construction workers can take to Pennsylvania roads and improve our infrastructure. While this work is necessary, construction often causes a high rate of bumper-to-bumper traffic.
If distracted or reckless drivers are not paying attention, there is a greater risk that they could collide with the car in front of them in these stressful traffic conditions.
Studies show warmer weather increases driver aggression
According to the Association for Psychological Science, higher temperatures tend to make drivers more aggressive. These aggressive drivers often:
- Tailgate other drivers
- Speed and weave through traffic
- Fail to obey traffic signals or rules
An increase in aggressive drivers on the road puts other drivers at high risk of an accident.
Heat can cause issues for your car
Both extreme cold and heat can have a serious impact on our vehicles. Long road trips during the summer do not often help, as the car heats up faster from weather and extensive operation. Hot temperatures can affect:
- Tire pressure, leading to tire blowouts
- Overheating engines
- Car battery failure
Car malfunctions like these can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and collide with others on busy roads.
More younger drivers take to the road in the summer
Summer also means school is out of session. And that means that more teen drivers are out on Allentown roads. Their lack of driving experience and their greater tendency to engage in distractions behind the wheel put both themselves and others at risk on the roads.
It is critical for drivers to be aware of all of these risks on the road so that they can stay alert and safe this summer.
