Summer is the season for family vacations and road trips. This means that in the coming months, you can expect to see more cars on the roads and highways in and around Myrtle Beach. Whether drivers are making Myrtle Beach their destination or whether they are departing from Myrtle Beach for other parts of the country, the increased congestion on the roadways is sure to make driving more treacherous. When can Myrtle Beach drivers expect the heaviest traffic to appear on local highways, and what can they do if they find themselves involved in an injury accident?
Myrtle Beach Car Crash Statistics
According to the 2014 South Carolina Traffic Crash Fact Book published by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, May and August appear to be the two months out of the four summer months (May, June, July, and August) when it comes to a higher number of traffic crashes. This makes sense: In May, children are just getting out of school and parents and children alike may wish to celebrate the break with a vacation. Similarly, in August children head back to school and parents may wish to try to squeeze in a family vacation before the new school year. The statistics show that:
- In May 2014, over 10,000 traffic crashes occurred in Myrtle Beach and throughout South Carolina. A similar number (over 10,000) occurred in August 2014;
- Throughout 2014, the majority of traffic collisions (20,979) occurred on Friday;
- All told, between May 2014 and August 2014, there were 273 people killed and another 14,065 involved in traffic collisions in South Carolina.
For those looking to avoid the most dangerous time to be on the road during the summer in Myrtle Beach, it seems as if the answer is skipping Fridays during May or August. While this does not mean that collisions do not occur during the other parts of the summer, it does mean that drivers and passengers are at a heightened risk of injury or death during the beginning and end of the summer season. Statistically speaking, traveling to or from Myrtle Beach during the middle part of the summer can decrease your risk of being involved in a Myrtle Beach car accident.
How are Summer Myrtle Beach Car Accidents Different?
If a driver knows that roadways are going to be more congested, that driver should drive more defensively than he or she may be accustomed to doing. Aggressive driving habits such as following another vehicle too closely, speeding, changing lanes quickly and/or without providing an appropriate signal, and texting while driving become even more dangerous when the roadways are congested. Alcohol – a mainstay at summer barbeques and family get-togethers – can lead to drunk driving, which becomes more dangerous when more individuals are on the road. In short, while Myrtle Beach drivers should always exercise care and caution when driving, they should exercise even more caution when driving during the summer months.
What To Do After a Summer Myrtle Beach Car Accident
If you are involved in a car crash around Myrtle Beach during the summer, your first concern should be to get yourself and your passengers to safety and summon assistance. In the hot summer months, heat sickness and heat stroke are serious health concerns. Heart problems can also result if a person is exposed to the elements for too long and this person has preexisting heart troubles. For this reason, if you are involved in a crash, try to move yourself and your passengers (if you can safely do so without causing additional pain) to a shaded location and wait for help. Remember to stay hydrated. You may find it helpful to keep bottled water, sunscreen, hats and blankets, umbrellas, tarps, or other sources of shade in your car for use in the event of a Myrtle Beach car accident.
You should also take the following actions, if you are able to do so safely:
- Obtain the names and insurance information of every other driver involved in the crash. If a driver leaves the scene of the accident, attempt to write down a description of the driver and the car he or she was driving (including the license plate state and number, if possible).
- Obtain the names and contact information of any witness who appears at the scene and attempts to render aid or indicates he or she saw the collision. Write down the name, badge number, and agency of the law enforcement officer who appears to investigate the scene or to question you.
- Take pictures of the accident scene – the cars involved, the road, the injuries, etc. Even if the only camera you have is attached to your smartphone, such pictures are more valuable and helpful than having no pictures at all. While you should attempt to take as many pictures as possible, do not rush so much that your pictures are blurry or not clear.
- Write down your recollection of the accident as soon as possible. This ensures your memory is as fresh as possible and can keep you from becoming confused about important details later. Keep this writing in a safe location.
When to Contact a Myrtle Beach Car Accident Lawyer
When you or a loved one are injured in a Myrtle Beach car crash caused by a careless or reckless driver, you may be entitled to recover compensation to assist you in meeting the financial expenses you will experience and compensate you for the mental and physical pain caused by the accident. This compensation can be used to help you pay for medical expenses, address your pain and suffering, and compensate you for time missed from work due to your injuries (for example).
The compassionate but experienced Myrtle Beach car accident attorneys at Joye Law Firm remind Myrtle Beach residents to drive safely this summer. If you are the victim of a car crash, however, call our firm right away at (888) 324-3100 or complete our online form for prompt and knowledgeable legal counsel and assistance.
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