4 Unexpected Factors Behind Car Accidents | Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A.

A multi-vehicle accident on a busy road, with a damaged black car in the foreground and other cars in the background, symbolizing a serious car accident.

Nobody wants to be involved in a car accident, yet they happen with alarming frequency. Every year, there are over 40,000 fatal crashes. Many of these crashes can be traced to well-known causes like drunk driving, reckless driving, or texting behind the wheel. However, there are other, lesser-known factors behind car accidents that might be surprising—and some of them may even be out of your control.

Surprising causes of car accidents

Solar eclipses

A solar eclipse may be a rare and awe-inspiring event, but it's also one of the surprising factors behind car accidents. In 2024, a total solar eclipse swept across North America, and drivers were unprepared for the sudden lighting changes. As the sky darkened to twilight conditions, visibility was drastically reduced, resulting in slower reaction times. This led to a 31% increase in traffic accidents during the eclipse and amounted to one extra crash-involved person every 25 minutes.

The distraction of witnessing such a rare spectacle while driving also contributed to the risk. Drivers attempting to sneak a glance at the celestial event inadvertently increased the likelihood of collisions. While it's tempting to watch an eclipse, the best way to stay safe is to pull over if you want to take in the view.

Holiday traffic

Holidays may be a time for celebration, but they also bring a significant spike in car accidents. This is due to a combination of increased traffic, alcohol consumption, and driver fatigue. In 2024, holidays such as July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Labor Day Weekend saw the highest increases in fatalities on the road. The National Safety Council reported a staggering 411% increase in accidents on July 4th Weekend alone.

When travel surges and safety decreases, it's clear that holidays are among the leading factors behind car accidents. To reduce your risk, it's important to drive defensively, avoid alcohol, and plan trips when traffic isn't at its peak.

Early school start times and teen driver accidents

Surprisingly, school schedules can also be a factor behind car accidents, particularly among teens. A study showed that delaying school start times by just 50 minutes led to a decrease in crash rates for 16- to 18-year-olds. With teens already prone to staying up late, adding early school mornings can result in driving while drowsy. Inexperienced drivers are especially vulnerable to accidents when they're operating on little sleep.

Adjusting school start times not only helps students academically, but it also reduces the risk of accidents caused by sleep deprivation. For parents and school districts, it's worth considering how small changes can make a big difference in keeping young drivers safe. Additionally, parents should encourage their teens to get adequate sleep to avoid drowsy driving.

Daylight saving time

Another time-related factor behind car accidents? Daylight Saving Time. Every year, drivers across the country lose an hour of sleep, and the results can be deadly. A study found that there was a 6% increase in fatal crashes following the springtime shift. Drowsy driving reduces reaction times, and the change in daylight can lead to darker, more hazardous morning commutes.

Although Daylight Saving Time is a necessary adjustment for many, being aware of its impact on alertness can help you avoid becoming part of this statistic. Get extra rest before the time change, and be extra cautious during the first few days of the new schedule.

Injured in a car accident? Let our attorneys fight for you

If you've been hurt in a car accident in Dover or Portsmouth, the attorneys at Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A. are here to fight for you.

Car accidents can cause physical injuries, emotional stress, and financial burdens, but we can ease those burdens by handling every aspect of your case—from initiating your claim to negotiating for the final settlement.

With us by your side, you can focus on healing while we negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Our attorneys have over 150 years of combined experience standing up to big insurance companies, and we won't settle for less than what you deserve.

We always fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and our case results prove it:

A $3,400,000 federal jury award for a fatal auto/trucking crash.
$1,950,000 arbitration award for a woman who sustained severe arm, head, and internal injuries in a head-on collision.
$2,000,000 settlement for a 39-year-old woman who suffered multiple arm injuries in a head-on collision.

To get started, contact us online or call our law offices in Dover or Portsmouth for a free consultation. We'll listen to your story, evaluate your case, and develop a tailored strategy that fits your needs.