Summer Driving Safety Tips
June 30, 2026
As summer arrives and warmer weather draws people outdoors, it’s time to refresh our awareness of seasonal driving safety. With celebrations like the Fourth of July and other summer gatherings bringing families and friends together, a little preparation can help ensure everyone gets home safely.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic accidents increase during the summer months. The combination of summer travel, outdoor celebrations, and events involving alcohol contributes to this trend. Locally, you should expect roads like Interstate 77, Highway 161, and Highway 521 to see increased traffic. You should also expect our neighborhoods and popular destinations such as South End and the Bowl at Ballantyne to be busier.
Understanding these patterns will help our community celebrate more safely.
Smart Celebration Strategies
Plan Your Transportation: Wherever your destination, decide on your transportation before you leave home. Rideshare services, designated drivers, and public transportation are great options.
Time Your Travel: Consider traveling during off-peak hours. Early afternoon or mid-morning trips often mean less congested roads. Alcohol-related accidents are more likely to happen at night.
Stay Connected Safely: If you need to use your phone for navigation or communication, set it up before you start driving. North and South Carolina are “hands-free” states.
Fourth of July weekend and summer holidays often mark the busiest stretch of road trip season. Before heading out, keep these tips in mind: travel during the day if possible and if not, travel on well-lit roads; plan stops every two hours to stay alert and avoid fatigued driving; be on the lookout for distracted or impaired drivers; stay alert for motorcycles; when you arrive at your destination look out for pedestrians, bicycles, scooters and other hard-to-see objects, especially in crowded areas. Consider getting a dashcam as it can provide a clear record of events if you find yourself in an accident.
If an Accident Occurs
Despite our best efforts, accidents can happen. If you find yourself in this situation, ensure safety first by moving to a safe location if possible and checking for injuries. Call 911. Document everything by taking photos and gathering contact information from all parties, including witnesses. Seek medical attention from an emergency room or urgent care as soon as possible — don’t wait to return home.
At Morton & Gettys, we’re proud to be part of this community and believe that informed drivers are safer drivers. If you or someone you know is affected by a traffic accident, our experienced local attorneys are here to help ensure your rights are protected and you receive the support you deserve. Contact the firm at 803.366.3388 or online at mortongettysinjury.com to see how we can assist.