Summer Driving Hazards in Massachusetts
Recent Posts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the Most Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents in Massachusetts?
Failure to yield by car drivers, especially during left-hand turns, tops the list, causing nearly 40–50% of multi-vehicle crashes. This aligns with the 1,800–2,000 annual incidents, particularly in busy Norfolk and Bristol counties.
Are Motorcycle Accidents More Deadly in Massachusetts Than Elsewhere?
Yes, somewhat—80% of crashes here result in serious injury or death, higher than the national average (around 60–70%), due to dense traffic and rural road risks. The 450 deaths over 10 years reflect this elevated severity.
How Does Weather Affect Motorcycle Crashes in Massachusetts?
Rain and snow significantly increase crash risk by reducing traction, contributing to the 66% of fatalities on rural roads like those in Plymouth County. Wet weather likely factored into dozens of the 160–180 county deaths since 2015.
Can I Sue If a Pothole Caused My Accident?
Yes, if poor road maintenance caused the crash, you might sue the responsible municipality (e.g., in Plymouth or Bristol counties). You’d need to prove negligence and file within three years, though such cases are tough to win.
Does Not Wearing a Helmet Make Accidents More Common?
No, it doesn’t cause crashes, but Massachusetts’ mandatory helmet law (90% compliance) reduces fatality severity. Non-compliance, rare here, might worsen outcomes, as seen in some of the 24 young rider deaths in 2018.
Why Are Intersections So Dangerous for Motorcyclists?
Intersections combine high traffic, turning vehicles, and visibility issues—41% of serious injuries occur there. In Brockton (Plymouth County) or Quincy (Norfolk County), these factors likely drove many of the decade’s 60–120 fatalities.
- Research suggests summer driving in Massachusetts involves hazards like increased traffic, road construction, and heat-related issues.
- It seems likely that thunderstorms and more vulnerable road users, like cyclists, also pose significant risks during this season.
- The evidence leans toward the importance of vehicle maintenance and cautious driving to mitigate these hazards.
Increased Summer Traffic and Congestion
Summer in Massachusetts sees more traffic due to tourism and school vacations, especially on major routes like I-93 and I-95. This can lead to longer travel times and higher crash risks, so plan your trips and remain patient.
Weather and Vehicle Challenges
Sudden thunderstorms can make roads slippery, and high temperatures may cause tire blowouts or engine overheating. Regular vehicle checks and slowing down in rain are crucial for safety.
Sharing the Road
More pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are out in summer, requiring extra vigilance. Teen drivers, less experienced, also increase risks, so be patient and cautious, especially in urban areas.
Summer in Massachusetts, spanning from June to August, is characterized by warm temperatures, with average highs reaching 81°F in Boston by late July, as noted by Weather Spark - Boston Summer Weather. Summer weather in Massachusetts is defined by warm, humid conditions, with temperatures often exceeding 80°F, according to Seasons in Massachusetts: Weather and Climate. The season, starting meteorologically on June 1 and astronomically around June 20-22, brings increased precipitation in the form of thunderstorms, particularly in July and August, as described in Climate of Massachusetts - Wikipedia. These patterns affect driving conditions across the state, including urban centers like Quincy and rural areas like Uxbridge, necessitating heightened driver awareness.
Increased Traffic and Road Construction
One of the primary hazards of summer driving in Massachusetts is the significant increase in traffic due to tourism, school vacations, and road construction projects. According to 4 Summer Driving Hazards to Be Aware Of | Travelers Insurance, estimates predict a record high for vehicle miles traveled lately, likely due to low fuel prices and economic activity, leading to a 9.3% increase in roadway deaths during the first nine months of 2015, as per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This congestion is particularly evident on major routes like I-93, I-95, and the Mass Pike, affecting towns like Framingham and Natick.
Tips for Managing Increased Traffic
- Plan trips to avoid peak travel times, especially weekends and holidays, crucial for towns like Brockton with high summer traffic.
- Allow extra travel time to reduce frustration and aggressive driving, a strategy useful in congested areas like Quincy.
- Use navigation apps to find alternate routes, particularly in construction-heavy areas like Westborough.
Road Construction Zones
Summer is the prime season for road repairs, often causing lane closures, detours, and reduced speed limits. These zones require extra caution, with speeding fines doubling in work zones. Drivers should merge early, slow down, and avoid distractions, applicable across all listed towns.
Tips for Navigating Construction Zones
- Follow posted signs and reduce speed, especially in areas like Norwood with ongoing summer projects.
- Be prepared for sudden stops and changing traffic patterns, a precaution necessary in towns like Mansfield.
Weather-Related Hazards
Massachusetts summers can bring sudden weather changes, from intense heat to heavy thunderstorms, each presenting unique driving challenges.
Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain: Summer thunderstorms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning, making roads slippery and increasing the risk of hydroplaning. According to Summer Driving & Road Trip Tips | NHTSA, rain contributes to 75% of weather-related crashes, with 47% occurring during rainfall, and rain-related crashes cause 3,400 fatalities and 357,300 injuries annually nationwide, with a 34% higher fatal crash likelihood in Massachusetts. This is particularly hazardous in towns like Taunton, where sudden downpours are common.
Causes and Effects of Rain-Related Hazards
- Heavy rain can limit visibility, especially when combined with water spray from trucks on highways, affecting areas like West Bridgewater.
- Wet roads reduce traction, making it harder to stop or maneuver, a concern in urban areas like Randolph with high traffic density.
- Hydroplaning is a risk, particularly with worn tires, a safety issue across all listed towns.
Legal and Safety Tips
- Do not use hazard lights while driving in the rain; they are illegal in Massachusetts for this purpose
- Use low beams instead of high beams, as high beams reflect off water and reduce visibility, a recommendation supported by Can MA Drivers Use Their Hazard Lights During Inclement Weather?.
- If visibility is severely reduced, slow down or pull over safely until conditions improve, a strategy useful in rural areas like Upton.
Sun Glare
The summer sun, especially during early morning and late afternoon, can create blinding glare, particularly on east-west roads. This is a significant hazard in towns like Sherborn, where rural roads may lack shade. Drivers should use sunglasses, visors, or slow down if glare impairs visibility.
Tips for Managing Sun Glare
- Keep windshields clean to reduce glare, especially important in industrial areas like Attleboro.
- Adjust visors and wear polarized sunglasses, a precaution applicable across all listed towns.
Vehicle and Driver Preparedness
High temperatures and increased usage can take a toll on vehicles, while drivers may also be affected by the heat.
High Temperatures Affecting Vehicles and Drivers
Hot weather can lead to tire blowouts, especially if tires are underinflated or worn, and engines can overheat, particularly if air conditioning is used extensively. Drivers may experience fatigue and dehydration, impairing reaction times and decision-making, a concern in towns like Milton during long summer drives.
Heat-Related Vehicle Issues
| Issue | Impact |
|---|---|
| Tire Blowouts | Increased Risk with Underinflation |
| Engine Overheating | Common with AC Use |
| Driver Fatigue/Dehydration | Impairs Reaction Times |
Importance of Maintenance
Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial, including checking tire pressure, tread depth, coolant levels, and ensuring the air conditioning system is functioning properly. Stay hydrated and take breaks during long trips to avoid fatigue.
Tips for Vehicle and Driver Preparedness
- Check tires monthly, including the spare, and ensure tread depth is at least 2/32 inch, crucial for towns like Norton.
- Inspect belts, hoses, and fluid levels before long trips, a precaution necessary in high-traffic areas like Framingham.
- Plan routes with rest stops and avoid driving during peak heat hours, a safety measure applicable across all listed towns.
Sharing the Road
Summer brings more people outdoors, increasing the presence of vulnerable road users and potentially less experienced drivers.
Vulnerable Road Users
Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are more active in summer, especially in urban areas and near recreational spots. Drivers must be extra vigilant, yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks and giving cyclists and motorcyclists at least 3 feet of space, a safety measure crucial in towns like Natick.
Challenges for Sharing the Road
- Motorcycles are harder to see, especially in blind spots, increasing collision risks in areas like Foxborough.
- Cyclists and pedestrians may appear unexpectedly, a concern in urban centers like Quincy with high pedestrian traffic.
- Motorcyclists have less protection, making accidents more dangerous, a safety issue across all listed towns.
Tips for Sharing the Road
- Always check blind spots before changing lanes or turning, especially in congested areas like Randolph.
- Give motorcycles plenty of space, as they need more room to stop or turn, a strategy useful in rural areas like Mendon.
- Be aware that pedestrians and cyclists can be hidden in your vehicle's blind spots, a precaution necessary in all Massachusetts towns.
Inexperienced Drivers
With school out, more teen drivers are on the road, potentially less experienced in handling hazards. According to Summer Driving Tips for Teens (and Adults, too) | Safety Insurance, speeding is a factor in 31% of fatal crashes, a concern in towns like Whitman with younger populations. Drivers should be patient and cautious, encouraging new drivers to take defensive driving courses, as noted in Road Safety Tips for Massachusetts Drivers | Mass.Gov Blog.
Tips for Dealing with Inexperienced Drivers
- Maintain extra following distance, especially in areas with high teen populations like Holliston.
- Model safe driving behavior and avoid aggressive maneuvers, a strategy applicable across all listed towns.
- Encourage teens to take defensive driving courses, a safety measure supported by Massachusetts law.
General Safe Driving Tips for Summer
To ensure safety on Massachusetts roads during summer, drivers should take proactive steps to prepare for the season's challenges, as supported by general driving safety guidelines. Regular vehicle maintenance, staying informed about weather conditions, and practicing defensive driving are key to avoiding accidents, applicable across all listed towns, from urban centers like Braintree to rural areas like Southborough.
General driving tips
- Regularly maintain your vehicle, checking tires, brakes, wipers, and lights, crucial for safe driving in variable summer conditions.
- Stay informed about weather forecasts and road conditions through reliable sources like MassDOT Crash Data | Mass.gov, ensuring preparedness.
- Avoid distractions while driving, such as using mobile phones, a safety measure vital in congested areas like Milton.
- Obey all traffic laws and speed limits, adjusting for weather conditions, a legal requirement across Massachusetts.
- Be patient and courteous to other drivers, especially in congested areas.Conclusion
Summer driving hazards in Massachusetts, including increased traffic, road construction, weather-related issues, vehicle preparedness, and sharing the road, pose significant risks to drivers across the state, including the listed towns. While town-specific statistics for summer were not readily available, general data and safety recommendations provide a comprehensive guide for safe driving. By following the outlined tips and staying vigilant, drivers can navigate these hazards effectively, ensuring safety on roads from Abington to Wrentham.