How Summer Heat Increases Car Accident Risks in Kansas and Missouri
As temperatures soar across the Heartland, the experienced car accident lawyers at Patterson Legal Group see a troubling increase in summer heat car accidents throughout Kansas and Missouri. The combination of Midwestern humidity and extreme temperatures creates unique driving hazards that put all motorists at risk. From the bustling streets of Kansas City to the rural highways connecting our communities, understanding these seasonal dangers could mean the difference between a safe trip and a devastating collision.
To help you and other drivers understand the risk of summer heat car accidents, the personal injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group share four reasons why they happen.
Increased Traffic and Teen Drivers
The summer months bring a perfect storm of traffic hazards to Kansas and Missouri roadways. With school out of session, inexperienced teen drivers flood local roads from Wichita to St. Joseph, often engaging in risky behaviors like speeding or distracted driving. Popular Midwest vacation destinations like the Lake of the Ozarks see dramatic increases in traffic, mixing intoxicated drivers with out-of-town motorists unfamiliar with Missouri’s winding rural roads.
Construction projects along critical routes, like I-70 and I-35, reach their peak during the summer months creating unexpected lane closures and congestion across both states. The Patterson Legal Group frequently handles cases where these factors combine with extreme heat to create dangerous driving conditions, leading to serious collisions.
Summer Heat Car Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failure
Midwestern summers are particularly harsh on vehicles, with the combination of high temperatures and humid conditions accelerating wear on critical components. Kansas and Missouri drivers often experience tire blowouts on scorching pavement along highways like US-54 or I-44, where summer temperatures can cause tire pressure to spike dangerously.
The car accident attorneys at Patterson Legal Group have seen numerous cases where failed cooling systems left drivers stranded on rural Missouri roads with no shade or assistance. Electrical systems in vehicles are particularly vulnerable during Midwestern heat waves, with alternators and batteries failing at inopportune moments. Even properly maintained vehicles can succumb to the extreme conditions, though neglected maintenance significantly increases the risk of summer heat car accidents across our region.
Related: Summer Car Preparation Tips to Stay Safe in the Heat
Impaired Driving Can Increase During the Summer
The social nature of Midwest summers leads to a well-documented surge in impaired driving incidents. From outdoor music events like the Whitaker Music Festival to beers and barbecue at your favorite park, alcohol-related crashes spike dramatically during the hottest months. Patterson Legal Group has handled numerous cases where drivers underestimated how quickly dehydration from Missouri’s humid heat can intensify alcohol’s effects.
Summer parties create particular dangers, with our attorneys seeing a consistent pattern of alcohol-related crashes following barbecues and other gatherings. Even prescription medications can become more dangerous in extreme heat, as many people don’t realize how high temperatures affect their metabolism of certain drugs. These factors combine to make summer the most dangerous season for impaired driving accidents in our region.
Reduced Visibility Can Lead to Summer Heat Car Accidents
Midwestern drivers face unique visibility challenges during summer months that contribute to serious collisions. The intense afternoon sun creates blinding glare along east-west routes like I-70, making it difficult to see stopped traffic or construction zones. Missouri’s rolling hills often create dangerous sun angles during morning and evening commutes, particularly on rural highways where speeds are higher.
Dust storms can appear suddenly in the Kansas Flint Hills, reducing visibility to near zero in minutes. Patterson Legal Group has represented numerous clients who were injured when other drivers failed to adjust their speed for these hazardous conditions. Summer thunderstorms, common to both states, create additional visibility challenges, with heavy rains that start and stop abruptly, leaving roads dangerously slick while the sun reappears. These rapidly changing conditions are a key factor in many weather-related accidents across Kansas and Missouri.
Contact a Summer Heat Car Accidents Attorney Near Me
The personal injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group hope that you have a clearer understanding of how summer heat can increase your chances of an auto wreck. Please share this information with the drivers in your household to help increase everyone’s safety. Should you get injured in a crash caused by the actions or inactions of another party, then contact us for immediate assistance.
You can reach an injury lawyer from Patterson Legal Group by phone at 888-687-2400 and online through LiveChat or by submitting your information through our encrypted contact form. Our accomplished trial lawyers have helped injury victims throughout Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado receive more than $250 million in settlements. Take the first step towards the compensation that you deserve by reaching out to us today.
