It is probably no surprise that car crashes occur more frequently in Massachusetts during the Spring months. Although wintery conditions certainly make driving hazardous, more people are on the roads in the Spring, and along with the volume of cars on the roadways comes more opportunities for reckless driving, speeding, and other risky behavior.
Although Spring weather is often much warmer and even balmy at time
s, climate change has made it even more unpredictable than in past years or decades. During any given day or week in April or May, we can experience temperatures in the 70s, followed the next day or week by a blizzard and freezing temperatures. Being prepared for weather instability and practicing safe driving is essential for minimizing your risk of being in a car crash.
Reasons For Increase in Spring Crashes
Along with the higher volume of traffic and miles traveled during the warmer Spring months, there are underlying factors that might account for the increase in car accidents.
- Speeding—As the roadways become clear of ice and snow, motorists tend to speed. During the height of the pandemic when workers were either laid off or working remotely at home or in cafes and the commute congestion decreased substantially, drivers took the opportunity to drive faster and more carelessly. More tickets were issued for motorists who exceeded 100 mph than in many years. Also, traffic deaths increased significantly despite the lower volume of cars.
- Black ice and unpredictable weather—As we have all experienced this year, one day we are wearing T-shirts and the next day we are shoveling snow to get out of the driveway. With freezing temperatures comes the menace of black ice, which is a thin coating of transparent ice that is not visible to motorists, especially on bridges. When temperatures fall below freezing, proceed cautiously and steer in the direction of your skid instead of against it to avoid losing even more control. If possible, avoid driving in hail, sleet, or blizzards.
- Wind and debris—High winds in the Spring can blow debris onto roadways causing hazards to motorists who may either drive over it and possibly puncture a tire or damage the underframe of the vehicle, or who may swerve to avoid it and collide with another vehicle.
- Distracted driving—Any activity by a motorist that is other than driving is considered distracted driving, although most people consider use of a cellphone as the main culprit. This can include reading emails and texts, texting, watching videos, or even talking on the phone whether you have Bluetooth or not. Other distracted activities include rubbernecking, grooming, eating, reading, talking, or changing the radio station. Be a good example to your children or to your peers by refraining from any cell phone use while driving and by not engaging in any other activities that can distract you from driving.
- Impaired driving—Everyone knows, or should know, the risks and consequences of drunk driving. But drugged driving is equally a menace to other motorists and pedestrians. Currently, there is no standard such as the amount of THC or of any other drug by which law enforcement or the courts can determine and legislate as an assumption of impairment. With alcohol use, a person whose blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is at least 0.08% as observed on a breathalyzer is considered legally impaired. Officers can use other techniques if you are suspected of drug use and require you to take a blood test.
Tips for Safe Spring Driving
At the law office of Burns and Jain, you can count on an experienced car accident lawyer in Boston and throughout the state to represent you and family members if injured in a car accident. We also strongly encourage our clients and everyone else to drive safely and to follow the traffic laws. Some tips to follow include:
- Service your car and prepare it for winter and other inclement weather. Be sure your tire treads are within safe limits and your defroster and windshield wipers are working efficiently.
- Take precautions on bridges during freezing temperatures and high winds to account for the presence of black ice and debris on the roadway
- Recall or read about how to steer safely out of a skid
- Refrain from driving in inclement weather
- Have water bottles in your trunk and a warm blanket in case you are stranded and have to wait for assistance
- Travel only as fast as weather conditions permit
Damages in Car Accident Injury Claims
If injured in a car accident, contact your insurance and a car accident lawyer in Boston from the law office of Burns and Jain. A car accident lawyer from our firm will handle all aspects of your claim from start to finish while you concentrate on recovering. Included in our representation is demonstrating for insurance adjusters and defense lawyers, if necessary, how your injuries have affected your quality of life and what you are entitled to in compensation. Damages typically include:
- Past and future employment and income loss
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Permanent impairment and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Spousal claim for loss of consortium
Retain the Law Office of Burns and Jain
Your best opportunity for obtaining the compensation you are entitled to is by retaining a car accident lawyer in Boston from Burns and Jain. Call us at (617) 227-7423 for a free consultation about your accident injury claim.