How Summer Traffic Increases Car Accident Risks in Washington

As the sun begins to shine longer and brighter across the Pacific Northwest, Washingtonians hit the roads in greater numbers. Whether it’s a weekend escape to the Olympic Peninsula, a cross-state road trip, or a quick drive to a local festival, summer driving in Washington is undeniably more active. But with that increase in travel comes an unfortunate reality: the summer months are also some of the most dangerous times of year to be on the road.

From teen drivers home for summer break to an influx of out-of-state tourists, Washington roads see an annual spike in risk factors that lead to a surge in car accidents. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, fatalities and serious crashes often peak during the Memorial Day to Labor Day period, commonly referred to as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer.

In this post, we’ll explore why summer traffic is riskier, what types of crashes are most common during this season, how to stay safe behind the wheel, and what to do if you’re involved in a crash during the summer months.

Why Summer Driving in Washington Is More Dangerous

The combination of warm weather, school breaks, and tourist attractions means more drivers are sharing the road, and not always responsibly. Several factors contribute to the increased risk of summer traffic deaths:

1. Teen Drivers Are Out of School

When the school year ends, thousands of inexperienced teen drivers hit the roads, often without the supervision they have during the rest of the year. According to AAA, drivers aged 16–19 are three times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than adults, a statistic that only worsens during summer break.

2. More Tourists and Out-of-State Drivers

Popular destinations like Seattle, the Cascade Mountains, and the Olympic coast attract millions of visitors during summer. These drivers may be unfamiliar with Washington driving laws, distracted by GPS devices, or unaware of local hazards like construction zones, increasing the risk of car accidents.

3. Road Trips and Holiday Travel

Summer is peak road trip season. Long hours on the highway lead to driver fatigue, speeding, and often, distracted driving. Memorial Day weekend, Labor Day, and Fourth of July are especially notorious for drunk driving (DUI) incidents and traffic congestion.

Common Summer Crash Types in Washington

Certain types of accidents spike during the summer due to the unique mix of drivers and conditions. These include:

• Rear-end collisions from stop-and-go traffic during festivals and beach getaways
• Side-impact crashes at intersections caused by distracted drivers or those unfamiliar with right-of-way laws
• Speeding-related accidents in construction zones and rural highways
• DUI crashes around major holidays
• Teen driver collisions, often due to inexperience, peer pressure, or mobile phone use

Each of these accident types can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities, making summer safety more important than ever.

Summer Driving Safety Tips

While you can’t control other drivers, there’s plenty you can do to stay safe. Here are some actionable safety tips to reduce your risk this summer:

Buckle Up, Every Time

Wearing a seat belt is your first and best line of defense in a crash. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, nearly 95% of Washingtonians wear their seat belts, but that still leaves thousands at risk.

Follow the Posted Speed Limit

Summer travel means congested roads, sudden stops, and detours through unfamiliar areas. Obeying the speed limit, especially in construction zones, is essential to avoiding deadly mistakes and heavy fines.

Avoid Distractions

Put the phone down, program your GPS before driving, and limit distractions from passengers. Distracted drivers are involved in nearly one in five crashes in Washington State.

Watch for Teen Drivers

If you’re a parent, talk to your teen about safe driving habits. Limit the number of passengers they can carry, encourage seat belt use, and monitor their nighttime driving.

Skip the Drinks

DUI arrests spike during summer holidays. Designate a sober driver, call a rideshare, or stay overnight if you plan to drink. It’s not just the law, it’s about protecting lives.

Be Extra Cautious on Holiday Weekends

Plan extra time for trips during Memorial Day weekend or Labor Day. Roads are especially congested, and aggressive or impaired drivers are more common.

What to Do If You’re In a Summer Crash in Washington

Even with the best precautions, accidents still happen. If you’re involved in a crash, here are the legal and safety steps to take:

1. Ensure Everyone Is Safe

Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured. Move vehicles out of traffic if it’s safe to do so.

2. Document the Scene

Take photos of the accident, get contact information from witnesses, and record license plates and insurance details.

3. File a Police Report

In Washington, you must report an accident if there is injury or more than $1,000 in property damage. This report is essential if you later file a claim.

4. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, get evaluated. Delayed injuries like concussions or soft tissue damage are common after crashes.

5. Know Your Rights and Next Steps

Understanding Washington’s driving laws, insurance requirements, and claim procedures is crucial. For example, Washington is not a no-fault state, which generally means the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering your damages.

If you’re unsure of your rights or overwhelmed by insurance companies, a skilled car accident attorney can help guide you through the claims process and advocate for fair compensation.

Why Choose Brumley Law Firm After a Summer Accident?

At Brumley Law Firm Car Accident Lawyers PLLC, we’ve helped countless victims throughout Western Washington, including Olympia, Seattle, and surrounding areas, recover after devastating car accidents. With over 30 years of combined experience, our team has helped clients pursue claims against negligent drivers, insurers, and other responsible parties.

Whether you were hit by a tourist, injured in a construction zone, or dealing with the severity of crashes that often follow summer collisions, we provide the compassionate support and aggressive legal representation you need.

We’ll help you:

• Understand Washington traffic safety and insurance laws
• Navigate medical treatment and insurance red tape
• Maximize compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering
• Protect your rights from day one

Final Thoughts: Make Safe Driving a Priority This Summer

While summer is a time for freedom, relaxation, and adventure, it also brings an increase in road dangers. By understanding the unique risks of summer traffic and following these safety tips, you can reduce your chances of being involved in a crash, and know what to do if the worst happens.

If you’ve been injured in a summer crash, contact us for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your options and protect your rights.