Fatal Collisions Spike in Summer, Reaching 9,429

There are some 9,429 fatal collisions in the U.S. during the summer months — the most of any season, according to a Teletrac Navman analysis. That’s 1,015 more fatal crashes than in spring, the second most dangerous driving season.

In short, summer is a season when drivers should be more vigilant than ever. Moreover, location can have impact on crash risk. The Teletrac Navman report ranks the top 10 states that had the highest collision fatality rates during the summer months.

Wyoming leads the nation with 6.54 fatal car collisions in summer per 100,000 residents. Montana and Mississippi rank second and third with 6.36 and 5.23, respectively. Other states that rank among the top 10 for fatal crashes in summer include North Dakota with 4.93, New Mexico (4.85), Kentucky (4.75), South Carolina (4.60), Alabama (4.54), Oklahoma (4.49), and Arkansas (4.42).

The top three cities with the deadliest summer roads were Memphis, Tennessee, with 5.83 fatal collisions per 100,000 residents, followed by Kansas City, Missouri, and Nashville, Tennessee, which had 5.55 and 4.82, respectively.

What accounts for the perilous roadways in the hotter months? For starters, more drivers on the road heading to beaches, parks, and vacations. And, one can expect more inexperienced drivers, too, as teens hit the roads for fun in the sun. Add to this, vehicle problems as hot temperatures can lead engines to overheat and tires to blow out.

Finally, warm weather means more road construction that can cause delays, detours, traffic jams, and obstacles in the roadways — all of which can cause collisions.