Car Accidents and the Heat: Why the Heat Makes Accidents Worse
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Take a look at the 10-day weather forecast for El Paso and you’ll see lots of triple-digit highs. The summer heat is here. What does this mean for the road? There are several ways the heat impacts driving. For one, it makes people more irritable. On the other hand, the summer tends to be a time when there are more drivers on the road. Teenagers with driver’s licenses are keeping themselves entertained, often at the expense of other drivers. Moreover, the heat can cause vehicles to overheat, leading to engine failures, tire blow-outs, and other heat-related damage.      

Statistics of Car Accidents in the Heat

According to a study by the Environmental Health Perspectives, car accidents increase during heatwaves. The study found that car accidents spiked by 2.9% during heatwave days. Additionally, crashes increased by 1.1% for each degree increase in temperature.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also says that drivers are a higher risk of becoming involved in a car accident during the summer months, some of which relate to summer road trips. Based on their findings, July and August were the deadliest months, with an average daily toll of 116 deaths.

Staying Safe on the Road This Summer

There are a couple of key things you can do to during this unruly strike of heat El Paso is experiencing. Here are a couple of helpful tips:

  • Drink plenty of water– Dehydration can lead to dizziness, confusion, and tiredness. 
  • Avoid driving between 12 and 2 p.m.- This may be impossible if your job requires commuting during these hours; however, if you can, avoid driving during this time as it tends to be the hottest time of day. 
  • Play calming music– There’s nothing like jamming out to some heavy metal or hard rock to get the adrenaline going. And there’s nothing like screaming the lyrics of a rap song like nobody’s listening, but consider listening to tranquil music when it’s hot outside as it will help you feel more at ease.  

When to Call a Car Accident Lawyer

Certain types of car accidents require the assistance of a car accident lawyer. If your accident resulted in significant loss such as physical injury, financial difficulties, loss of a job, or emotional damage, you should speak with a car accident lawyer. Otherwise, you risk the possibility of not receiving compensation or you won’t receive the adequate amount. An experienced attorney such as Javier Martinez, Jr. will ensure your case is handled properly.         

Contact the Law Office of Javier Martinez, Jr., P.C.

Don’t let the stress of the heat get to you! We know that being in a car accident in the middle of a heatwave can be especially tough. That’s why our law firm is here to provide you with swift legal representation following a car accident. Unfortunately, El Paso is no stranger to catastrophic car accidents and our law firm knows this well. 

Attorney Javier Martinez, Jr. is here to help guide your case and ensure you receive the compensation you need for damages. Connect with our law firm today.