Summer in Texas brings sunshine and freedom, but unfortunately, it also brings a sharp rise in traffic crash risks. At Patterson Law Group, we’ve seen firsthand how vacations, student freedom, and heat waves contribute to a surge in collisions.
As your trusted car wreck law firm in Fort Worth, TX, we want to explore the seven key reasons car accidents spike during summer break — and what you can do to stay safe.
1. Surge in Teenage Drivers: The “100 Deadliest Days”
Summer break unleashes a wave of new drivers—high school and college students hitting the road with a false sense of confidence. According to the AAA, nearly 30% of all fatal teen-involved crashes in Texas between Memorial Day and Labor Day—the so-called “100 Deadliest Days“—occur during this stretch.
Another source highlights that Texas led the nation with 146 fatal teen crashes during summer and 136 back-to-school fatalities. Per CDC data, nearly 35% of deadly teen accidents happen during June–August. That’s one of the strongest statistical signals we see each year.
As a Fort Worth auto accident attorney, that trend is why we stress proactive safety for teens: driver training, seat belt adherence, and limiting passengers. If your teen is involved in a wreck, we know how to hold parties accountable.
2. Distracted Driving Skyrockets with Vacation Mode
Summer vacations mean more travelers behind the wheel, which translates to more distracted driving. TxDOT reports distracted driving contributed to over 91,000 crashes in 2024, with more than 370 fatalities. In Texas, nearly one in five crashes involve distraction, leading to 373 deaths and 2,587 serious injuries in 2024. The NHTSA also notes that texting while driving can make a crash 23 times more likely.
Whether it’s selfies at the lake, navigation apps the whole way, or holiday playlists, distraction on highways like I‑35 or I‑20 is a recipe for disaster. As your accident lawyer in Fort Worth, we know how to trace phone logs, insurance data, and witness statements to build a strong liability case.
3. Increased Drunk & Impaired Driving
Summer is synonymous with outdoor parties, poolside gatherings, and barbecues. Unfortunately, it also brings higher rates of drunk and substance-impaired driving. Though alcohol-related fatalities have slightly declined statewide, from 4,756 in 2022 to 3,547 in 2023, they still represented 23,844 crash incidents in 2023. Texas continues to rank second-highest in U.S. fatal crashes overall.
Our firm investigates blood alcohol content details and enforcement compliance post-crash. If you suspect impairment, we can pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
4. Road Congestion: Construction and Vacation Traffic
Summer in Fort Worth brings both vacation traffic and intensive road construction. When our favorite routes are obstructed and lanes closed, drivers must re-route, and unfamiliar detours cause slower speeds, erratic lane changes, and confusion. Statistical data from the Texas DOT warns that unsafe lane changes, failure to maintain lanes, and failure to yield contribute to a significant percentage of crashes.
As a car accident lawyer in Fort Worth, we analyze construction zone signage, contractor compliance, and highway maintenance to determine fault. Construction-related crashes may involve third-party liability and higher payouts.
5. Heat-Linked Fatigue and Vehicle Failures
Peak temperatures in Fort Worth regularly climb into the high 90s and low 100s (°F), pushing drivers—and their vehicles—to the limit. Heat can cause fatigue, reduce reaction times, and impair judgment. Tire blowouts and overheated cars are more common in summer, often leading to multi-vehicle collisions.
TxDOT data shows July and August rank among the top months for “serious injury crashes” in Texas. As your Fort Worth auto accident attorney, we include mechanical failure experts to dissect maintenance logs and component failures, so that manufacturers or service providers may be held accountable.
6. Weekend Getaways and Rural Road Risks
Summer invites weekend trips to Lake Grapevine, Colorado Bend, or a drive through rural North Texas. These roadways tend to be higher-speed, less well-lit, and more prone to wildlife crossings. Data confirms that high-speed rural roads dramatically increase fatal crash risk. In Texas, 25.7% of 2023 crashes were speed-related.
Plus, 2023 data from Patino Law shows that the deadliest crash hour is 9–9:59 p.m., urban and rural. As a car wreck law firm in Fort Worth, TX, we investigate speed telemetry, skid marks, and road design in these cases.
7. Mixed Traffic & Oversized Loads
Summer is also the peak season for freight movement and oversized loads in Texas, which includes big rigs, construction vehicles, and RVs. Especially on interstates like I‑35 or I‑45, speed differentials and poor merging techniques create hazards. Houston saw fatalities rise nearly 50% from 2015 to 2024, in part due to distracted driving, but also heavy industrial traffic.
Even if a passenger vehicle rear-ends a slow-moving tractor-trailer in a construction zone, liability may lie with the big rig company. That’s where our experience as a Fort Worth auto accident attorney helps uncover responsible parties beyond the at-fault driver.
How Texas Law Applies to Summer Break Crashes
Texting-While-Driving Law
Under Texas law (effective Sept 1, 2017), drivers may not “read, write, or send text messages” while driving. Fines for first offenses range from $25 to $99, but if texting causes serious injury or death, penalties can reach $4,000 and jail. We use crash reports and phone forensics to prove violations.
DUI/ DWI Standards
Texas considers a BAC of 0.08% or higher as intoxicated, with zero tolerance for minors. DUI crashes involving injury or death carry severe penalties—including jail, license suspension, and civil liability. At Patterson Law Group, we aggressively pursue punitive damages when impaired driving is confirmed.
Teen Driver Restrictions
Teen drivers under 18 are only allowed one non-family passenger under the “permit” stage, and must comply with passenger restrictions and curfews. Violation of these rules may establish negligence per se. If a teen is badly hurt in a crash where these laws were violated, our accident lawyer in Fort Worth knows how to use that to your advantage.
Construction Zone & Speed Laws
In Texas construction zones, the usual maximum speed drops, and fines double. Exceeding that limit may warrant enhanced penalties and bolster liability claims. In every case, we examine posted signage, zone boundaries, and enforcement records.
Our Summer Safety Checklist
- Enforce seat belt use: 60% of 16–20 year‑old fatalities were unbelted.
- Limit teen passengers & nighttime driving: Teen crash risk doubles after dark.
- Never text and drive: Texas law prohibits texting with steep penalties.
- Avoid driving impaired: Use rideshare, designate drivers.
- Obey reduced speed limits in work zones.
- Maintain a safe following distance, especially around big rigs.
- Stay alert: Summer fatigue increases risk.
We’re Here to Help
At Patterson Law Group, summer brings unique risks: teen drivers, tourist traffic, construction, and heat‑related hazards. As a dedicated car accident lawyer in Fort Worth, we bring expertise in traffic law, accident reconstruction, insurance negotiations, and trial advocacy. We aim to hold negligent parties responsible, whether it’s distracted driving, DUI, or heavy vehicle crashes.
Call us for a free consultation if you or a loved one is hurt during this busy season. We’ll guide you from gathering evidence and filing claims to ensuring fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Why Choose Us?
- Proven experience in Fort Worth auto accident attorney representation
- Full-service investigation and expert witness coordination
- No upfront fees—pay only if we win your case
- Tailored strategies for teen accidents, impaired driving, and construction-zone incidents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if I’m in a car accident during summer break in Fort Worth?
First, make sure everyone is safe and call 911. If possible, move vehicles out of traffic. Get medical help immediately—even if injuries seem minor. Take photos, collect witness information, and avoid admitting fault. Then, contact a car accident lawyer in Fort Worth as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Are summer car accidents more likely to involve teenage drivers?
Yes. Teen crash rates spike during summer break due to increased free time, inexperience, and higher risk behaviors. The “100 Deadliest Days” between Memorial Day and Labor Day consistently see a surge in teen-related fatal accidents across Texas.
How does Texas law handle distracted driving accidents?
Texas prohibits texting while driving. If a distracted driver causes a crash, they can face fines, license penalties, and civil liability. Our team uses phone records and crash data to prove distraction and maximize compensation.
Who’s liable in a construction zone accident?
Depending on who caused the hazard, drivers, contractors, or even government agencies can be held liable. We investigate whether adequate signage was provided, speed limits were enforced, and construction crews followed proper safety protocols.
What if the at-fault driver is a teenager?
Even if the driver is a minor, their insurance company can still be held responsible. In some cases, parents may also bear legal liability under negligent supervision laws.
Do I need a lawyer after a minor accident?
Yes, even minor crashes can result in long-term injuries and hidden vehicle damage. A Fort Worth auto accident attorney can help you deal with insurers, gather evidence, and ensure you’re fairly compensated for your losses.
Stay Safe on the Road This Summer
Summer break can be a season of joy, but for drivers in Texas, it’s statistically one of the most dangerous times on the road. By understanding why accidents spike, you can take concrete steps—seat belts, sober driving, watching young drivers, and obeying traffic laws—to stay safe.
If a crash disrupts your life, don’t wait. Contact Patterson Law Group, your trusted car wreck law firm in Fort Worth, TX, to explore your legal options. We fight for maximum recovery so you can focus on healing and rebuilding.
