Summer is in full swing. The sun is out, the birds are chirping, and the horrid winter-weather commutes are at bay.
But with warm weather, comes a spike in driving tickets and accidents.
Yes, you read that correctly. Just when you thought weather conditions were at their best for driving, the fact is that this is the season when drivers are more likely to get a ticket or be involved in a collision.
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Heated behind the wheel and on the road
According to InsuranceHotline.com’s car insurance shoppers, tickets and collisions happen more frequently during the summer months: July, August and September. Almost 27 per cent of tickets and 27 per cent of collisions occur during what most people would think is a driver-friendly season.
What is it about summer that results in a spike in driving infractions and collisions? There are many theories, but the common underlying theme seems to be simply that there are more drivers on the road—from the increase in road trips, to the rise in tourists who are unfamiliar with where they are going, to the surge in construction causing more traffic congestion. Nice weather may also cause drivers to get too comfortable behind the wheel; it’s easier to let your guard down and lose focus in the summer when road conditions are generally dry and more predictable.
What’s perhaps even more unexpected about these findings is the fact that the winter months—January, February, and March—account for the least number of tickets and collisions. Twenty-three per cent of tickets and 23 per cent of collisions occur when driving is arguably the most difficult.
- Related Read: Warning—More Car Accidents Occur in Summer Than Winter
Who is the better driver? Men or women?
It’s the classic debate; but one that doesn’t have a clear cut answer. While men are more likely to admit to having tickets; women are more likely to say they’ve been in a collision. Last year, 16 per cent of male drivers disclosed to having at least one ticket on their record, in comparison to 12 per cent of female drivers. On the flip side, 14 per cent of female drivers had been in at least one accident in comparison to 13 per cent of men.
Better with age?
Overall, 15 per cent of drivers who requested a quote last year admitted to having at least one ticket on their record and 13 per cent had been in at least one accident. However, with regards to age, some interesting findings included:
- Young drivers had a higher occurrence of tickets compared to the overall numbers, but a lower occurrence of accidents. Seventeen per cent of drivers aged 16 to 24 have received at least one ticket, while only 11 per cent had an accident on their driving record.
- Drivers aged 25 to 34 had the highest occurrence of both tickets and accidents. Seventeen per cent stated they had at least one ticket on their record and 15 per cent had at least one collision.
- Only nine per cent of drivers aged 55 and older reported to have at least one ticket on their driving record.
Based on the results, it could be argued that young drivers are getting a raw deal. After all, even though they admit to having more tickets than most, they’re involved in fewer collisions. That said, we have to remember that chances are these young drivers are part-time drivers and likely spend less time behind the wheel.
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You’re in the driver’s seat
Cautious driving should be practised all year long, not just during bad weather conditions. A ticket or at-fault accident on your record could lead to a hike in your insurance rate. Driving infractions plaguing your current premium? Compare quotes at InsuranceHotline.com to find the best rate available and save money.
