Spring has sprung in the Mohawk Valley and many are excited to hit the road with the warmer weather. The American Automobile Association stated that last year’s Memorial Day weekend traffic was at its highest since 2005. There were approximately 32,000 fatalities that occurred on the road within a recent year. Over half of those deaths took place from April to September.

What Makes Spring Driving Dangerous?

You may be wondering, why would driving in the spring be dangerous? The fact of the matter is, the warmer the weather, the more vehicles and people are on the road. With an increase in traffic, the risk of a car accident increases during the spring and summer months as well. There are also more people walking, jogging, or bicycle riding on or near the road. If a vehicle were to swerve just slightly beyond the painted lines, it may cause a fatal accident. The weather is also not-so-perfect during the spring. Rainy weather means flooding and low visibility, a common cause for car collisions. Spring also means a lot of road work which often causes traffic slowdowns and accidents. Finally, during the spring months, new teenage drivers are out on the roads driving more as they are finishing up their classes or attending spring sports activities, meaning more inexperienced drivers on the road.

Typical Types of Spring Car Crashes in New York State

There are three frequent types of accidents that occur during the spring. The first is convertible accidents. Warmer weather means many individuals will be breaking out their soft-top vehicles and driving with the top down. The biggest risk in a convertible is rollover accidents. If the car were to go off the road, passengers would not have the protection of the roof. Many vehicles have emergency mechanisms to prevent injury like metal bars that deploy during a rollover, but there is still a great risk.

The second type of spring car accidents is a crash involving flooding or standing water. Springtime in Central New York usually means rain and lots of it. Puddles may form and roads may be apt to flooding. Hydroplaning is a frequent cause of car wrecks in the spring months.

The last type of spring car crash is an accident involving a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist. Warmer weather means more people wanting to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. It is important to always pay attention and share the road with your fellow two-wheeled comrades.

5 Spring Driving Safety Tips to Avoid a Car Accident

Look at these five safety tips for avoiding a fatal car accident in the springtime:

1. Limit distractions – Put your phone away, turn down the radio, and pay attention to the road.
2. Be observant – Always be on the lookout for motorcycles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and children playing near the road.
3. Stay sober – Do not, under any circumstances, get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. It is not worth the risk of your life or the lives of your community. Get a ride or call a cab.
4. Watch out for animals – Hibernating animals reemerge in the springtime. Be cautious for any deer or other animals crossing the road.
5. Do not tailgate – A frequent car accident in the springtime are rear-end accidents, especially in construction zones. Leave plenty of space in between your vehicle and the car in front of you.

What to Do if Injured in a Car Accident

If you are injured in a car crash, seek medical attention immediately. Making sure you and any passengers in the vehicles involved in the car collision are safe and healthy is the top priority. Once everyone has been seen by a medical professional, observe the scene of the accident. Take photos of the vehicles in the crash, the environment around the crash, and any injuries sustained from the car accident, if you can safely do so. The accident and any injuries suffered by yourself or any passengers in your vehicle must be reported to your own automobile insurance carrier, so that you may file the appropriate No-Fault claims for medical bills and lost wages.  Prior to calling any insurance companies, it is best to contact a car accident lawyer. Promptly following an accident, you may not be thinking clearly and you may be tricked into saying something to put yourself at fault for the collision. A personal injury attorney that has knowledge in car accidents will be able to take the evidence you collected from the scene of the car accident and help you decipher how the incident unfolded. An experienced car accident attorney can help you work through the shock and stress of being involved in an accident and explain your rights to receive a car accident settlement if you are the victim of a motor vehicle accident and have suffered serious injuries.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you need experienced lawyers in Utica NY. Brindisi, Murad, Brindisi & Pearlman can help you seek compensation for your injuries from a car accident today. If you have suffered broken bones, permanent medical impairments, or cannot work due to whiplash, neck pain, or lower back pain from a car wreck, contact The People’s Lawyer for a free consultation. We’ve helped thousands of car accident victims in the Utica and Syracuse areas and we can help you. Call us today.

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Tags: Car Accidents