Summertime, and the Living’s Easy – but the Driving is Difficult

By Thomas Greer | August 24, 2015

Summertime, and the Living’s Easy – but the Driving is Difficult

With only a few more weeks left of summer, more and more families are scrambling to get away for a vacation before school starts. That means we’re bound to see more cars on the road right here in Memphis, because tourists and visitors will be pouring in as locals and residents take to the highways. All of this traffic can make driving more difficult, of course, and the weather itself can be a large contributor to what makes it dangerous.

  • Sun glare. There is a lot of sun here in West Tennessee – about 18 hours of it, from dawn until absolute night. Regardless of which direction you’re traveling in as the sun rises and sets, you may not be able to see the road ahead of you, or get an accurate reading of how far away cars are behind you (if the sun hits your mirrors just right).
  • Raging tempers. Heat makes people cranky. A study of U.S. drivers revealed that drivers “are more prone to bad behavior on Fridays during the summer months.” A combination of the heat, heavy traffic and the desire to be done with the work week are likely contributors; regardless of why it happens, you may be able to avoid an accident by taking a deep breath and paying attention to your surroundings. If that doesn’t work for you, take back roads with less traffic.
  • Sudden summer storms. Into every life a little rain must fall – and a sudden storm after a long time of dry, hot days can cause a number of problems. Dried out branches and limbs may fall into road ways, and too much rain can lead to flash flooding or to dirt and debris washing onto the road. Add to this the “normal” problems with driving in the rain, and you could be headed into dangerous territory. Make sure to check the weather report before you leave your home or work, to ensure that you are prepared.
  • Inattentive drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. There are a lot of kids playing outside in the summer, and summer is the best time to take bicycle rides with the family. As a driver, you must be aware of children who might dart into the road, of increased foot and bike traffic, and of drivers who are too preoccupied with their plans (or who are day dreaming) to pay attention to their surroundings.

We want everyone to enjoy the rest of their summer vacation; a car accident can ruin what time you have left before you go back to the “daily grind.” If you do suffer an injury in a car crash in West Tennessee, however, you may need a helping hand to start your recovery. Bailey & Greer, PLLC is here to assist you. Please contact us to schedule a no-obligation consultation at one of our multiple office locations in Memphis, Jackson or Nashville.

Posted in Auto Accidents, Blog