A driver’s priority must be safety first – for herself and her passengers. McNabola Law Group would like to remind you of the unique dangers of summertime driving. August has been statistically proven to be the most dangerous month for drivers. Even if you believe you are a safe driver, and you follow the rules of the road religiously, you must take care to anticipate unexpected moves and protect yourself and your passengers from bad or other erratic drivers.
With warm summer breezes, bright skies, and the kids out of school, it is easy to understand why the warm weather means more traffic and more collisions on the roads. Summer outings and festivals can increase the number of drunk drivers. Having the kids out of school is a double whammy — it increases the number of young, inexperienced drivers on the road, and makes the summer months a great time for family vacations and more road trips. All of these factors result in more collisions during the summer and in particular in the month of August. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports August with the highest crash rates from auto collisions at 3,351 deaths which is more than 9% of the total yearly crashes of 2019.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the American Automobile Association provide safety tips that apply to drivers at any time of year, but these tips are especially important in the busy month of August when there are more vehicles and drivers on the roads.
Mark McNabola, managing partner of the Chicago-based McNabola Law Group, agrees with the very practical tips that NTSB and AAA offer for safe driving, and encourages everyone, especially families with teen drivers, to review these important safety tips:
* Stay alert on your road trip: More than 50 percent of drivers had no symptoms before dozing off or falling asleep before fatigue-related crashes. Avoid fatigue while driving by getting a minimum of eight hours of sleep at night. Also, if you find yourself feeling tired pull over far off the roadway, or get out of your car in a safe resting place and take a break.
* Schedule a break every two hours or every 100 miles, at a minimum. Following this guideline will help prevent fatigue-related crashes. Give yourself a break and an opportunity to rejuvenate by walking around, getting some fresh air to clear your head and stretching your legs. Being delayed in reaching your destination by 15 minutes usually will make zero difference in your overall experience.
* Travel with an alert passenger and take turns driving. Having a passenger to alternate driving time with will also help prevent the serious dangers caused by fatigue. In addition, having someone to talk to while you are driving will keep you awake and alert.
* Avoid medications that cause drowsiness or other impairment. It is extremely important to avoid driving while you are impaired or distracted. You must be 100% alert! Be sure to avoid any medications, alcohol, or other substances that can impair your ability to remain alert and energized.
* Avoid Using your Cell Phone and Stay focused: The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration {“NHTSA”) reports that distracted driving is a factor in more than 10 percent of crashes. A recent survey from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly one-third of all drivers admit to sending a text message or email while driving in the past month; and about 40 percent of drivers report reading a text message or email while driving in the past month. Don’t do it! Nothing is more important than keeping your eyes, and your mind, on the road.
* For driving in the sun: Drivers should invest in polarized sunglasses that help reduce glare, use the sun visor to block out the sun, and leave more following room to help see the vehicles ahead and allow a greater opportunity to stop when necessary.
Remember, these tips aren’t only applicable in the month of August, but for daily driving habits as well. Chicago based McNabola Law Group reminds local drivers to take extra care in Chicago while driving in rush hour traffic, inclement weather, and during the busy holiday traffic times. It is essential to avoid driving impaired, distracted, or fatigued.
McNabola Law Group has represented many victims over the years from horrendous accidents caused by car crashes and injuries. Recently, Mark McNabola represented a 72 year old woman who was paralyzed following an automobile accident. The defendant turned his truck into the path of the plaintiff’s vehicle causing a devastating collision in which she sustained a spinal fracture and dislocation at C6-C7 requiring a surgical fusion. The plaintiff is wheelchair dependent for the rest of her life. Although she received a $9.8 million jury verdict that will help with her medical and caretaking expenses, it will never return her to the level of activity and independence she had before the collision.
Following these important safety tips will help you avoid trucking and automobile collisions and the devastating and life altering injuries that can result. On behalf of the McNabola Law Group, please stay alert and aware during these sunny summer days so that you and your passengers will be safe on the roads.
