Increased Risk of Truck Accidents During the Summer

Posted on June 7, 2019

Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers dicsuss an increased risk for truck accidents during the summer. When driving in the vicinity of a large truck, motorists should drive cautiously to avoid a devastating accident with such a massive vehicle. This is particularly true during the summer months. While many people may think that the winter months are more dangerous because of freezing rain, ice, and snow, the risk of serious truck accidents is higher in the summer for several reasons. When motorists are aware of these safety risks, they can take the appropriate steps to avoid them.

Factors that Lead to Summer Truck Accidents

There are several factors that make truck accidents more common during the summer, including:

  • Increased Road Construction: During the summer, there is an increase in construction projects ranging from pothole repairs to building new roads, bridges, and highways. Large trucks have a difficult time maneuvering tight spaces or making sharp turns. In addition, they require more distance to come to a complete stop, so if a work zone is not properly marked, the truck may not be able to avoid a collision.
  • Increased Risk of Tire Blowouts: Heat can cause pressure to build in the tire, making it more likely to explode. When this happens, the truck can swerve into other lanes, hitting other motorists nearby. It is extremely important for truck drivers to maintain their tires and replace them if they become worn.
  • Distracted or Drowsy Truck Drivers: Unfortunately, not all truck drivers abide by the federal regulations that prohibit cell phone use and hours of service regulations. When truck drivers push themselves to take advantage of the longer daylight hours, they are more prone to make mistakes or use poor judgement, which can have a devastating impact on other drivers.
  • More Teen Drivers on the Road: Schools and colleges are on summer break, which means that more inexperienced teen drivers are on the road. It also means that there are more teen drivers that are traveling together, which can cause the driver to become distracted. This can have tragic consequences if teen drivers are distracted when driving near a large truck.

Safety Tips

To stay safe this summer, motorists are encouraged to take the following precautions when hitting the road:

  • Always wear your seatbelt; this goes for passengers in the backseat as well.
  • Obey the speed limit and adjust for the road conditions and any inclement weather.
  • Avoid distractions, including phone calls, texts, and interacting with other passengers.
  • If driving near a large truck, avoid driving in the truck’s blind spots and stay focused on the road ahead.

Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Summer Truck Accidents

If you were seriously injured in a truck accident, contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at your earliest convenience. We will determine who is responsible for causing the accident and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.