South Carolina summers are characterized by bright days and beckoning beaches. The roads, on the other hand, are busier than normal. There is also the surprise of sudden severe weather changes, which makes driving during these months more challenging than it is scenic.
Sure, those long afternoons provide extra daylight for you, but on the flip side, more daylight also means higher risks on roads already heaving with visitors and vibrant local festivals.
This guide highlights some dangers you should watch while cruising the Palmetto State from June through August.
Increased Traffic Volume
In the summer, South Carolina is a magnet for vacationers who wish to enjoy sunshine and sandy shores. The traffic volume, especially on those roads that lead to areas of choice along the coastline and mountains, increases dramatically.
This increase in traffic volumes leads to frustrating bumper-to-bumper delays and drastically increases the chances of collisions. Frequent stops, impatient drivers trying to weave through traffic, and an influx of unfamiliar motorists can create a chaotic driving environment that demands extra caution from even the most experienced drivers.
Heat-Induced Road Hazards
While extra cars on the road pose one type of problem, the intense Southern heat introduces another. Summer temperatures in South Carolina can significantly affect driving conditions; for instance, the extreme heat often leads to pavement deterioration and tire blowouts.
Asphalt can soften under the scorching sun, reducing tire traction and increasing stopping distances. Overheated engines are common sights during peak travel months, leaving drivers unexpectedly stranded. Remember to monitor your vehicle’s temperature gauge and consider pre-trip inspections to prevent these heat-related issues from ruining your summer adventure.
Sudden Severe Weather Shifts
Just as the heat impacts road safety, sudden shifts in weather during South Carolina summers may also compromise driving conditions. Summer storms can come out of nowhere and bring heavy downpours, drastically reducing visibility and making road surfaces slippery.
In moments like these, hydroplaning becomes a genuine concern. Drivers must adjust their speed accordingly and maintain a safe following distance when rain begins to fall. Always have your headlights on in stormy weather to enhance your vehicle’s visibility to others on the road.
DUI Concerns Intensify
While stormy weather can impair a driver’s ability to see and control their vehicle, alcohol-related incidents pose an entirely different risk. During the summer months, DUI rates tend to spike in South Carolina due in part to numerous social gatherings and celebrations where alcohol is frequently served.
Events like barbecues, beach parties, and various festivals often coincide with an uptick in drivers under the influence, making late nights particularly dangerous. Everyone on the road must be extra vigilant during these times and consider alternative transportation options after attending events where they consume alcohol.
Drowsy Driving
In addition to the heightened risk from DUIs, elevated fatigue among drivers also becomes a significant hazard over the summer. Exciting road trips and extended nighttime celebrations can lead to drowsy driving, which is just as dangerous. Drowsy drivers exhibit reduced attention, slower reaction times, and impaired decision-making abilities.
Aim for ample sleep before long drives and take breaks every couple of hours to stretch and refresh to avoid becoming drowsy behind the wheel. Also, keep an eye out for signs of fatigue in other drivers, such as drifting between lanes or inconsistent speeds, and maintain a safe distance.
Managing Persistent Risks
While protective measures greatly reduce risks, they cannot eliminate the possibility of accidents. Other drivers’ unpredictable behaviors and unforeseeable events mean that even the most cautious drivers could still be in an unfortunate situation.
“Even when you take all the right precautions, there is always residual risk on the roads. As such, it’s always wise to be aware of your rights and options just in case one finds themselves in an accident because of someone else’s neglect, ” says South Carolina car accident attorney Wally Frye of Eller Frye Law.
Knowing how to work with well-informed legal professionals will help you through your claims for adequate compensation in case of an accident. Preparation ensures drivers are safe and protected by the law from the potential consequences of unavoidable accidents.
Media Information:
Eller Frye Law
918 S. Pleasantburg Dr
Ste 231, Greenville, SC 29607
(864)-763-6755
