You might find yourself in a serious car accident, clueless as to how the accident even happened in the first place. It was a beautiful summer day, you made no fatal errors, there were hardly any cars out on the road during the time of the accident, yet, it happened. As you struggle to remember everything that took place in the moment, the idea strikes you. Maybe it’s the colour of your car… it’s unlucky, it’s yellow, your mother hated yellow, you’re cursed! You’ve come to accept these unreasonable conclusions, because you’re oblivious to the factors that contributed to your accident. For example, did you know that the summertime is the most common time of the year for car accidents to occur? Here are a few more factors that contribute to car accidents, factors you might not be aware of:
Car Colour
Although it might sound ridiculous, the colour of your car is actually correlated to your risk of getting into a motor vehicle accident. A report from the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), conducted in 2007, states that black, blue, grey, and other shades that were ranked lower on the visibility index, correlated to a higher number of crashes during the day. Yellow, mauve, orange, and fawn vehicles are actually the least likely to be involved in car accidents. So, keep these statistics in mind when you’re looking for your next vehicle! Make sure you also take notes after a car accident, including the colour of the vehicle, so that you can report the crash accurately to the police, your insurance company, and your car injury lawyer.
Seasons
Winter seems like the more likely season for car accidents to occur in the GTA. The roads are slippery, the weather is unpredictable, and not all drivers deem it necessary to invest in winter tires. But, in spite of popular belief, summer is actually when most car accidents occur.
Ensurance even outlines a number of reasons why so many car accidents happen during this time of the year. Here are a few of the main reasons:
Teen Drivers
In the summer months, school is out! This means that there are a large number of young drivers out on the roads. Unfortunately, young drivers are the most likely to be involved in car accidents because they engage in riskier behavior and are less experienced than other drivers on the road. So keep your eyes peeled, and drive defensively.
Vacation Time
Summer is usually the time when people are heading up to their cottages over the long weekends or taking a road trip to an undiscovered place, but no matter the reason, there is usually more traffic. Traffic can cause a number of problems including road rage, unsafe driving maneuvers, and difficult driving situations. This is why it’s important to be patient and careful before heading up to your cottage. Remember, you can plan your route to beat the rush!
Construction on the Roads
In the summer months, construction workers are at it again! This means that your familiar route might be blocked by construction, causing traffic to gridlock. Again, it’s important to plan your route beforehand, and make sure that you are aware of any construction or changes to watch out for on your driving routes.
Bicycles and Motorcycles
Along with the increase in the number of motor vehicles on the roads in the summer, you can add bicycles and motorcycles to that list. This means that when you’re driving, you need to be aware of smaller vehicles and share the road safely with these drivers. Cyclists and motorcycles can be difficult to spot on the roads, so it’s key that you are always checking your blind spots.
Sunlight
The sun and the heat are two things that make summer one of the most enjoyable months, but these factors can also make driving dangerous. It’s imperative that you keep a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle to avoid the glare from the sun, while keeping a supply of water bottles in your car in case you get dehydrated. Your engine can also overheat in the summer, so make sure you keep your air conditioning on in the heat, and pull over somewhere safe to let your engine cool down again if overheating occurs.
Finding a Car Injury Lawyer in the GTA
Despite educating yourself on these important factors, car accidents continue to occur notwithstanding your best knowledge. Fortunately, there are car accident lawyers that can help you through the process of filing your claims and fighting for the compensation you deserve in the aftermath. Even though you might be confused and stressed after a car accident occurs, it’s important to stay organized and clear, and a car injury lawyer will help you do this. Book your free consultation at Sokoloff Lawyers today and fight for the compensation you deserve after a car accident.
Sources:
http://www.mynrma.com.au/blog/2015/06/23/crash-risk-and-the-colour-of-your-car/
http://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/216475/muarc263.pdf