After a cold, hard winter, summer is finally in full swing in Maryland. Whether you love or hate the heat, you can rest easy knowing you won’t have to shovel your car out of the snow. However, the absence of snow doesn’t mean the risk of accidents is diminished. Unfortunately, there are a number of summer driving hazards that can make your trip during the warm months dangerous. If hurt in a car accident because of the dangers explored in the following blog, you’ll want to contact a Prince George’s County auto accident lawyer to assist you.
What Are Common Summer Driving Hazards I Should Know About?
Unfortunately, one of the most common driving hazards in Maryland during the summer is drunk driving. The summer season has three significant holidays, including Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, all of which are popular occasions for people to drink. Similarly, many graduation parties and family reunions occur during the summer, meaning the odds of encountering a drunk driver are increased.
It’s also important to understand that the weather in the summer during the weather can be unpredictable. Unfortunately, you may find that despite the clear forecast, you may be traveling while a rainstorm hits. Being caught in severe weather can cause you to hydroplane, encounter flooding, or be unable to see the road in front of you.
Finally, you’ll need to be aware of motorcyclists and bicyclists. These are more common during the summer, and many people do not take the time to look for these smaller vehicles when turning or switching lanes.
What Can I Do to Stay Safe?
While driving, if you suspect that someone else on the road is intoxicated, you should put as much distance between yourself and them as possible. When possible, call emergency services to report the make and model of the vehicle, the license plate if you were able to see it, and the location of the car. Let the police handle the rest.
Similarly, if you are caught in a rainstorm, slow down and increase the distance between yourself and the vehicles around you. If you see flooding on the road ahead, do not attempt to drive through the water. Instead, turn around and take an alternate route. Even two feet of water is enough to take out a large SUV.
You’ll also want to stay alert to motorcyclists and bicyclists while traveling. Be sure to give these vehicles plenty of space when traveling. Also, look for riders when driving to keep everyone safe.
What Should I Do if I’m Injured?
Unfortunately, you may discover that despite taking the necessary precautions to stay safe while traveling during the summer, others may not take the steps to travel carefully during the summer. As such, you may become injured due to the negligence of another person.
At McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, our dedicated legal team can help guide you through the complexities of a personal injury lawsuit. We understand how devastating these injuries can be for victims and their families. As such, we take pride in helping our clients focus on healing by handling these complicated matters. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.
