Summer in Minnesota brings sunshine, open roads, and the perfect excuse to pack up and hit the highway. But with the excitement of road trips comes a sobering reality: summer is the most dangerous season for driving. At Nelson Personal Injury, we’ve seen firsthand how a carefree vacation can turn tragic instantly.
As a Minneapolis, MN, auto accident law firm, we want to help you understand drivers’ most common mistakes on summer road trips and how to avoid them. Our goal is to protect you and your family before something goes wrong.
The “100 Deadliest Days” on Minnesota Roads
The stretch from Memorial Day to Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days” for a reason. In 2022, 169 of Minnesota’s 444 traffic fatalities occurred during this period—accounting for 38% of all traffic deaths that year. Despite fewer people on the roads in 2023, Minnesota still saw 286 traffic deaths. This spike is attributed to a combination of factors: more drivers, distractions, and risky behavior.
Teen drivers, who are out of school for the summer, also contribute to this seasonal surge. According to AAA, teen crash fatalities historically rise by 17% per mile driven during the summer. These sobering trends emphasize the need for extra vigilance on the road.
Mistake #1: Speeding to Make Up Time
Speeding is one of drivers’ most common—and deadliest—mistakes during summer travel. In 2024, speed-related crashes claimed 94 lives in Minnesota, up from 81 the year before. Law enforcement issued over 68,000 speeding tickets during the summer crackdown.
Many drivers underestimate the danger of speeding, especially on dry, open roads. However, higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of crashes. Even going just 10 mph over the speed limit can double the impact force in a collision. The risk is especially high on rural highways with fewer barriers and longer emergency response times.
Speeding not only endangers your life but also puts others at risk. A Minneapolis car accident lawyer from our team often sees cases where innocent victims suffer catastrophic injuries because someone else was in a rush.
Mistake #2: Distracted Driving
With smartphones, GPS devices, streaming music, and in-car entertainment systems, distractions are everywhere. Even a momentary glance away from the road can have deadly consequences. Minnesota law prohibits texting while driving, but many drivers still engage in this risky behavior.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, distracted driving contributes to one in nine crashes. Texting is especially dangerous because it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. It takes an average of five seconds to read or send a text—enough time to travel the length of a football field at highway speeds.
To stay focused, set your GPS and map before driving, keep your phone out of reach, and ask passengers to help with navigation or other tasks. Many newer vehicles have “Do Not Disturb” driving modes that automatically silence calls and texts—use them. As a trusted accident attorney in Minneapolis, we urge drivers to treat distraction with the seriousness it deserves.
Mistake #3: Driving Under the Influence
Summer celebrations often involve alcohol, but getting behind the wheel after drinking is a recipe for disaster. In 2024, alcohol-related crashes resulted in 80 deaths in Minnesota. Despite years of awareness campaigns, impaired driving remains a major cause of road fatalities.
Even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is below the legal limit of 0.08%, your coordination, judgment, and reaction time may still be compromised. Some medications and recreational drugs can also impair your ability to drive safely—especially when mixed with alcohol.
If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or stay overnight. Many cities offer safe ride programs during summer holidays. As a Minneapolis, MN, auto accident law firm, we have seen too many lives shattered by impaired driving. Please don’t take the chance. It could just save your life or the life of someone else on the road.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Work Zone Safety
Summer is peak construction season in Minnesota. Work zones can be confusing and dangerous, especially if drivers aren’t paying attention. Speeding in a work zone can result in a $300 fine, and the consequences of a crash can be far worse.
Road crews rely on drivers to slow down and stay alert. Narrow lanes, unexpected lane shifts, and construction vehicles entering traffic are common hazards. In 2023, Minnesota saw more than 1,600 crashes in work zones, including several fatalities.
Always obey posted speed limits, watch for workers and equipment, and use the “zipper merge” technique to keep traffic flowing smoothly. As car crash lawyers in Minneapolis, we’ve seen how a moment of impatience can lead to long-term consequences for drivers and workers alike.
Mistake #5: Driving While Fatigued
Long road trips can be exhausting, and drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs judgment, increasing the crash risk. The CDC reports that staying awake for 18 hours has the same effect as a BAC of 0.05%. After 24 hours, it’s comparable to 0.10%—above the legal limit.
Drowsy driving tends to occur more often in the early morning, late at night, and on monotonous highways. If you catch yourself drifting out of your lane, missing exits, or feeling foggy, it’s time to stop and rest.
To stay alert, take regular breaks, share driving duties, and avoid driving during hours when you’d usually be asleep. Many rest areas in Minnesota provide safe places to stop and stretch. If you feel drowsy, pull over and rest. Nothing is worth risking your life over.
Mistake #6: Overloading Your Vehicle
Packing for a road trip often means loading the car with luggage, coolers, bikes, and passengers. But overloading your vehicle can affect handling, braking, and visibility. Your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is typically inside the driver’s door.
When you exceed this weight limit, your suspension and tires are under strain, increasing the risk of a blowout or rollover. Unsecured cargo has become projectiles in crashes we’ve handled, injuring passengers during sudden stops or collisions.
Check your vehicle’s load capacity, distribute weight evenly, and ensure that nothing obstructs your view. Secure all items, especially in SUVs and vans, where items can slide forward during a crash. These small steps can prevent a major disaster.
Mistake #7: Neglecting Vehicle Maintenance
A breakdown on a remote stretch of highway can be more than inconvenient—it can be dangerous. High summer temperatures can exacerbate existing mechanical problems and lead to overheating, tire blowouts, or brake failure.
Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Check tire pressure and tread depth, inspect brakes and lights, top off fluids, and ensure your air conditioning works properly. Don’t forget the spare tire and jack.
We also recommend checking the battery, as heat can shorten battery life. Many roadside emergencies could have been prevented with a simple tune-up or inspection. Preventive maintenance is one of the smartest investments you can make before a trip.
Mistake #8: Failing to Plan for Emergencies
Even with the best preparation, emergencies can happen. Having a stocked emergency kit can make a big difference. Your kit should include a first-aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, water, non-perishable snacks, a blanket, and a phone charger.
It’s also smart to download offline maps, keep a list of emergency contacts, and know the location of hospitals along your route. If traveling with children or pets, make additional preparations to ensure their comfort and safety.
As a Minneapolis car accident lawyer team, we recommend keeping our contact information in your glove box or phone, just in case.
What to Do If You’re in an Accident
Despite your best efforts, accidents can still occur. If you’re involved in a crash:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if needed.
- Move to a safe location, if possible.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s).
- Document the scene with photos and notes.
- Report the accident to your insurance company.
- Consult with a car crash lawyer in Minneapolis to protect your rights.
Do not admit fault at the scene. Even a polite apology can be misconstrued later. Let the investigation determine responsibility, and contact a qualified accident attorney in Minneapolis for help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Road Trip Accidents
What should I do immediately after a car accident on a road trip?
First, check for injuries and call 911. If possible, move to a safe location and exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Document the scene with photos, take notes about road conditions, and contact your insurance company. If you’re injured, seek medical attention immediately—even if symptoms seem minor at first.
Can I file a claim if the accident happened outside of Minneapolis?
Yes. If you’re from Minneapolis or Minnesota but the accident happened in another state, you may still be able to file a claim, depending on the circumstances. At our Minneapolis, MN, auto accident law firm, we can advise you on how jurisdiction and insurance coverage affect your options. It’s best to contact a car crash lawyer in Minneapolis as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
What if the other driver was from out of state?
Out-of-state drivers are still required to follow Minnesota traffic laws when driving here. If they caused the crash, you can pursue a claim through their insurance or potentially file a personal injury lawsuit in Minnesota courts. We can help you navigate the legal process no matter where the driver is from.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Minnesota?
Minnesota generally allows six years to file a personal injury claim for a car accident, but deadlines can vary based on the details of your case. Don’t delay. The sooner you contact an accident attorney in Minneapolis, the better chance we have of building a strong case and preserving critical evidence.
Will my insurance cover my injuries?
Minnesota is a no-fault state, which means your insurance covers initial medical costs regardless of who caused the accident. We can help if your injuries exceed what no-fault insurance covers.
How Nelson Personal Injury Can Help
At Nelson Personal Injury, we understand how stressful a car accident can be—especially when it disrupts a long-awaited trip. As experienced Minneapolis car accident lawyers, we fight for the rights of injured drivers and passengers. We help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
We know the law. We know the courts. Most importantly, we know how to stand up to insurance companies and demand the full compensation our clients are owed.
If you’ve been injured in a road trip accident, don’t wait to get help. Our team is here to listen, evaluate your case, and guide you through every step of the process.
Final Thoughts
Summer road trips should be about making memories—not managing injuries and legal claims. By avoiding the most common mistakes and staying alert on the road, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
If you do find yourself in need of legal help, trust Nelson Personal Injury—your Minneapolis, MN, auto accident law firm. We’re here to help you move forward.
