Why Summer Is the Most Dangerous Time for Car Accidents in Minnesota
While Minnesota winters certainly have their challenges, summer is also a dangerous time for drivers and others on the roads. Summer car accidents in Minnesota are startlingly common, and road users should know the dangers.
The more you learn about summer accident prevention, the better your chances of staying safe.
Crash Statistics Reveal Summer as Minnesota's Deadliest Driving Season
It’s easy to assume that snow and ice make crashes more likely, but the numbers tell a different story. More than 65 percent of Minnesota accidents in 2022 occurred during clear weather, compared to 10.8 percent in snow, and less than 1 percent in sleet and hail.
Although winter does have more crashes overall, the difference is less significant than you might think. Minnesota recorded 18,212 crashes from January through March 2022, the most recent year for which reports are available. From June through August 2022, 15,736 crashes were reported—only 2,476 fewer accidents across the entire state, despite significantly better weather.
Even more surprising is that summer crashes are more likely to be fatal. There were 140 fatal crashes statewide in summer 2022, compared to just 59 in winter. There were also more injuries during summer versus winter: 4,696 compared to 3,813 for the same pair of three-month spans.
More dangerous driving is one possible reason for the difference. Many carefree summer drivers throw caution to the wind, despite significant hazards.
Why More Accidents Happen in the Summer: The Key Risk Factors
Winter weather is notoriously hazardous, but summer driving poses even more risks. Some of the most common include the following:
- Increased traffic volume: With more people hitting the road for vacation, occupying the highways and heading for lakeside resorts and campgrounds, the potential for crashes is high.
- More teen drivers: Teens and young adults are out of school in summer, and statistics show that adolescents are more likely than their older counterparts to be involved in crashes. In 2022, drivers aged 15 through 24 made up 14 percent of licensed drivers but accounted for 24 percent of all drivers involved in accidents.
- Higher incidence of drunk driving: Summer parties and holidays mean more impaired drivers on the road. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day in 2024, Minnesota recorded 779 drunk driving crashes and 7,671 arrests of intoxicated drivers. In the three months preceding, there were 668 such crashes and 6,677 arrests for intoxicated driving.
- Distracted driving: From family group texts to unruly children in the backseat, summer driving distractions abound. Even a few seconds of inattention can be enough to cause an accident.
- Extreme heat and vehicle performance: Rising temperatures can cause overinflated tires, engine strain, battery damage, and other issues that may prompt on-road equipment failure.
- Road construction zones: As Minnesota’s Office of Traffic Safety jokingly points out, the state has two seasons: Winter and Road Construction. In 2022, the state recorded 11 fatal crashes and 440 injury crashes in work zones.
- Weather hazards: Minnesotans expect bad weather in the winter, but summer storms can take drivers by surprise. A sudden thunderstorm can quickly reduce visibility and make the roads unexpectedly slick, increasing accident risks.
- Motorcyclists and pedestrians: Minnesotans take full advantage of the summer weather by walking or riding motorcycles to their destinations. Some are less experienced road users who behave unexpectedly, particularly in places where drivers may not expect to encounter them.
These hazards increase the risk of all types of car accidents. Every driver must watch for these hazards and drive defensively, even on carefree summer days.
Minnesota's Most Dangerous Roads During Summer
According to the World Population Review, U.S. Route 169 has the most fatalities of any Minnesota highway, with an average of seven annual fatalities. However, it doesn’t contain the deadliest 10-mile stretch. That length of highway ranges from exits 229 to 238 along I-94 in Minneapolis, with a total of 45 deaths over 20 years.
Local media also names the Bloomington Strip, a stretch of Interstate 494, as a particularly busy road. This area gets busy in summer, when out-of-state visitors in rental cars drive from the Minnesota-St. Paul Airport to the famous Mall of America.
Whether you’re on a congested thoroughfare or a winding back road near one of Minnesota’s famous lakes, keeping your eyes peeled is essential.
Events That Can Disrupt Driving Conditions in the Summer
From state fairs to open-air concerts, Minnesotans’ favorite summer events can cause congestion, making driving more unpredictable. While these events don’t directly cause accidents, they create conditions that make caution paramount.
Know where you’re heading and how busy it’s likely to be. The Minnesota State Fair, a popular late-summer event, broke multiple attendance records in 2024 and is likely to continue drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors. Although most summer events don’t have the same scale, even a small local festival can cause congestion.
Safety Tips for Summer Driving in Minnesota
With caution and preparation, drivers can avoid common hazards and minimize their risk of summer driving wrecks in Minnesota. From solo trips to family vacations, follow these tips to stay as safe as possible:
- Do not drive while intoxicated: Don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve had alcohol. Ask for a ride or call for a taxi.
- Keep your eyes on the road: Don’t check your phone while driving. If you need to use a navigation app, use a holder that keeps your device within your line of sight. Avoid interacting with the app until you’re stopped.
- Avoid peak travel times: Drive when fewer cars are on the road to reduce accident risks. Use a navigation app to view real-time or predicted traffic and adjust your route as necessary.
- Take breaks: Avoid fatigued driving by breaking up long trips. Share the driving when possible.
- Monitor the weather: Know when a storm is coming and pull off the road when necessary.
- Respond to road conditions: Obey all signage and slow down in work areas, on uneven roadways, and in heavy traffic.
- Keep up with maintenance: Ensure you’re up to date with oil changes and inspections. If you’re planning a long-distance trip, ask a mechanic to look at your car before you leave.
These strategies help everyone, but are vital for young and inexperienced drivers. Talk safety with your teen or college-aged driver, especially if they’re hitting the Minnesota roads without you.
What To Pack in Your Car
Safety means preparing for the unexpected. Accidents can happen even when you do your best to avoid them, and summer breakdowns can strand you in unforeseen places. Pack your car with the essential emergency supplies, including:
- A flashlight
- Jumper cables
- A phone charger
- Roadside reflective triangles or flares
- Emergency tire sealant
- A first aid kit
- A basic tool kit
If you’re unsure whether to pack something, include it. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
How To Protect Yourself From Negligent Drivers During Summer
Sometimes, drivers can obey all road rules and still be victims of others’ negligence. You can reduce your risk by driving defensively.
Always maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Pull over or change lanes if a car is getting too close or driving aggressively.
Be cautious of cars that are swerving or moving unpredictably because the driver may be intoxicated. Steer clear of these vehicles and report them to the authorities if possible.
Reporting dangerous driving helps keep you and other drivers safe. Provide the police with the car’s license plate, color, make, and other essential details.
What To Do After a Summer Car Accident in Minnesota
If you become involved in an accident, protect your rights by taking the following steps:
- Remain at the scene: Minnesota law requires all drivers in an accident to stop and investigate what happened.
- Check for injuries: Safety comes first. Before doing anything else, check if anyone is injured.
- Exchange information: If a Minnesota accident causes injuries, every driver involved must share their name, date of birth, license plate number, and email or mailing address.
- Contact the authorities: Call 911 as soon as possible. Request that a police officer come and take a report. If there are any potentially significant injuries, request an ambulance as well.
- Document the incident: Take photos of the scene, including any visible vehicle damage and injuries. Make a written note if you’re feeling any pain.
If your injuries don’t require immediate transportation to a hospital, schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible afterward. An exam can help identify common car accident injuries that may not be immediately apparent, and records are crucial in the event of a claim.
Summer Accidents
Often Prompt Claims
In the span of a few seconds, a Minnesota seasonal accident can transform a carefree vacation into a medical and financial crisis. It’s essential to drive cautiously and watch for others who don’t.
If an accident happens, provide immediate assistance to anyone who is injured. It’s the right thing to do, and it’s the law.
These accidents often precipitate legal claims, so it’s also crucial to protect your rights. Gather as much evidence as you can and consider contacting a Minnesota car accident lawyer to discuss your options. Your summer—and your future—are worth protecting.
Call us at 763-560-0000 or complete our online contact form today.
