With longer days, crowded highways, and more drivers hitting the road for vacations or weekend getaways, summer is one of the most dangerous times of year to be behind the wheel. From construction zones along I-90 to increased pedestrian traffic in downtown Chicago, the risks aren’t always obvious—until they cause a crash.
Understanding the top summer driving hazards in 2025 can help you stay alert and avoid accidents. But even careful drivers can’t control what others do. When another driver is distracted, aggressive, or under the influence, your life can change in an instant.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we’ve worked with countless Chicago-area clients injured in summer collisions. We know what causes these crashes, how they affect real people, and what legal options are available when things go wrong. Whether you’re heading to Navy Pier, taking a road trip across state lines, or commuting to work on a sunny day, it’s important to stay informed and prepared.
Heat Waves Can Lead to Equipment Failure
Chicago summers have grown hotter each year, and 2025 is no exception. With extreme temperatures hitting triple digits more frequently, heat-related vehicle issues are a serious threat.
High heat can strain your vehicle’s systems in ways that increase the risk of a crash. Tire blowouts are more likely in hot weather due to air expansion inside the tire. Worn or underinflated tires can quickly become dangerous, especially at high speeds on interstates like I-290 or I-94.
Engine overheating is another problem. Stop-and-go traffic in areas like the Kennedy Expressway during a heat wave can push your engine past its limits, especially if your coolant levels aren’t topped off.
Even your brakes can be affected. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, and in extreme heat, that moisture can boil, reducing braking power just when you need it most.
To avoid accidents related to heat stress on your vehicle, perform routine checks before summer trips. Inspect your tires, battery, brakes, coolant, and oil. Keep an eye on dashboard warnings. And if your car begins to overheat, pull over immediately rather than pushing through to your destination.
More Tourists Mean More Distracted Drivers
Summer brings an influx of out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with Chicago’s roads. From rental cars navigating Wacker Drive to suburban drivers trying to reach Soldier Field for a concert, many of these motorists are more focused on GPS directions than road conditions.
Distracted driving is already a leading cause of crashes, but it spikes in the summer due to vacationers fumbling with maps, phones, or unfamiliar intersections. In downtown areas or along Lake Shore Drive, even a moment’s distraction can lead to rear-end collisions, missed turns, or dangerous swerving.
Locals aren’t immune either. When people are headed to weekend barbecues or rushing to beat traffic to the lake, attention drifts. Sunglasses, loud music, and conversations with passengers can further reduce focus.
If you’re on the road this summer, assume others may not be fully paying attention, especially near hotels, beaches, parks, or major attractions like Navy Pier and Millennium Park. Leave extra space between vehicles, avoid weaving through lanes, and don’t rely on others to react quickly.
Unfortunately, not all distractions are avoidable. If you’re hit by a distracted driver this summer, having a legal advocate on your side can make a major difference in how your claim is handled.
Road Construction and Detours Can Confuse Even Local Drivers
From June to September, Chicago’s roadways transform into a maze of cones, barriers, and lane closures. With an aggressive push to resurface roads and upgrade infrastructure, 2025 is expected to bring even more construction activity to key corridors.
The problem isn’t just the slowdowns—it’s the unpredictability. Drivers unfamiliar with alternate routes may stop suddenly, ignore detour signs, or make illegal turns trying to correct their path. Narrow lanes and uneven pavement increase the risk of sideswipes and tire damage. At night, visibility becomes an issue when temporary signage replaces standard traffic signals.
Areas around the Dan Ryan Expressway, Ogden Avenue, and Western Avenue often experience ongoing summer construction. In these zones, confusion and aggressive merging can turn a simple commute into a high-risk situation.
If you’re approaching a construction zone, slow down well in advance. Never rely on another driver to yield or follow signage properly. And remember: reduced speed limits in work zones are enforced whether workers are present or not.
If you’re injured in a crash near a work zone, determining liability can be complicated, especially if city contractors or improperly placed signage played a role. Our firm can help navigate those gray areas.
Increased Motorcycle and Bicycle Traffic Raises the Stakes
Chicago’s summer weather brings out more cyclists and motorcyclists than any other season. Whether it’s commuters riding along Milwaukee Avenue or weekend riders heading down Lake Shore Drive, two-wheeled traffic is at its peak.
Unfortunately, many drivers fail to adjust. Left-turn crashes involving motorcycles and sideswipes involving bicycles are among the most common summer collisions. In 2025, with more e-bikes, scooters, and motorcycle rideshare services in operation, the roads are even more congested and unpredictable.
Drivers often claim they “didn’t see” the rider. But that doesn’t change the outcome. Bikers and cyclists have little protection and are far more likely to suffer serious injuries, even in low-speed collisions.
If you’re driving this summer, check your mirrors and blind spots obsessively. Use extra caution when turning left, opening your door near a bike lane, or making lane changes. And if you’re on a motorcycle or bicycle, don’t assume drivers see you. Ride defensively and stay visible.
If an accident happens, legal help becomes crucial. Liability in motorcycle and bicycle accidents often hinges on subtle details, like who had the right of way, or whether lane positioning was legal. Our team understands how to build those cases the right way.
Summer Drunk Driving Peaks on Weekends and Holidays
It’s no secret that alcohol-related crashes spike in the summer, especially during weekends and major holidays. Events like the Fourth of July, Lollapalooza, and neighborhood festivals around Chicago often involve drinking, and far too many people still get behind the wheel afterward.
Late afternoons and evenings are the most dangerous times. From Wrigleyville to River North, bars and rooftop venues stay packed, and not everyone takes a rideshare home. Even drivers who “only had a couple drinks” can be impaired enough to cause a crash. Slowed reaction times, poor judgment, and reduced awareness make them a threat to everyone on the road.
If you’re out on summer weekends, take extra precautions. Avoid driving late at night if possible, be alert for vehicles swerving or braking erratically, and always wear your seatbelt. Even if you’re sober, someone else might not be.
Victims of drunk driving crashes often suffer the most—serious injuries, totaled vehicles, and long recovery times. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we take these cases seriously. If a drunk driver caused your injuries, we can pursue full compensation and, in some cases, even punitive damages. You deserve justice, not just a settlement.
Teen Drivers Are More Active and More Inexperienced
Summer break puts more teen drivers on the road than any other time of year. With no school and plenty of free time, they’re out running errands, meeting friends, and going on road trips—often without much driving experience under their belts.
In 2025, this issue is even more pronounced as new teen drivers face higher stress, shorter training windows, and more distractions than ever. Between smartphones, loud music, peer pressure, and a general lack of driving maturity, teen-involved accidents tend to rise during summer months.
Common risks include:
- Speeding on residential streets
- Rear-end collisions due to a lack of focus
- Running stop signs or failing to yield
- Overcorrecting or panicking in traffic
While everyone starts somewhere, inexperience is still a risk factor. If you’re driving this summer, be mindful of erratic or slow-moving vehicles, especially around parks, shopping centers, or near high schools.
If a teen driver causes your accident, it doesn’t mean you’re left with limited options. Their insurance still applies, and in some cases, parents may also bear legal responsibility. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we know how to handle teen-related injury claims without making assumptions or excuses.
Sudden Storms and Flash Flooding Catch Drivers Off Guard
Summer doesn’t just mean sunshine. Chicago often sees sudden downpours and flash flooding, especially during humid afternoons or stormy evenings. In 2025, meteorologists are already warning of increased rainfall events compared to previous years, and that poses a major hazard for drivers.
Flooded intersections, poor visibility, and slick roads all contribute to a sharp rise in weather-related crashes. Lower-lying areas like parts of Humboldt Park, Pilsen, and Cicero Avenue can flood quickly, leaving drivers stuck or hydroplaning without warning.
Storms also knock down branches, obscure lane markings, and cause temporary power outages at traffic signals. These hazards make even familiar routes dangerous, especially for drivers who don’t slow down.
To reduce risk, always check the forecast before heading out—especially for longer drives. If you see standing water, don’t try to drive through it. It takes only a few inches to stall or sweep away a car. Use headlights, increase following distance, and treat intersections without power as four-way stops.
If you’re injured in a crash caused by poor weather and another driver’s negligence, you may still have a valid claim. Abels & Annes, P.C. can evaluate what happened and help you understand your options.
Drowsy Driving During Road Trips and Long Commutes
Summer is prime time for road trips, late-night drives, and long-distance family visits. But with those miles comes fatigue, and drowsy driving is one of the most underestimated summer driving hazards in 2025.
Unlike drunk or distracted driving, drowsy driving doesn’t always show itself clearly. Drivers may not swerve or speed, but their reaction times slow dramatically. Microsleeps—brief moments where a driver dozes without realizing it—can cause a driver to miss traffic signals, drift into other lanes, or crash at full speed.
In Chicago, this risk increases for people returning from weekend trips to Wisconsin or Indiana, as well as late-night commutes from suburban areas like Naperville or Joliet. Teen drivers and shift workers are particularly at risk.
Avoiding drowsy driving isn’t always as simple as getting more sleep. If you’re behind the wheel and feel your concentration slipping, pull over. Use rest areas, grab a snack, and don’t rely solely on caffeine.
When someone causes a crash due to fatigue, it’s not always easy to prove, but that doesn’t make your injuries any less serious. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we know how to investigate these situations and hold negligent drivers accountable.
What to Do After a Summer Driving Accident
If you’re involved in a car accident this summer, what you do in the minutes and hours that follow can impact your health, your recovery, and your legal options. Even minor crashes can lead to long-term issues, so it’s important to take the right steps, even if you’re shaken up.
Here’s what to do if you're in a summer collision:
- Call 911 and request medical attention if anyone is injured
- Get to a safe location, especially if you're on a busy road like I-55 or Lake Shore Drive
- Exchange information with all involved drivers and get contact details for any witnesses
- Take photos of the scene, including road conditions, damage, and signage
- Avoid making statements like “I’m sorry” that could be used to assign blame
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine—many injuries don’t show symptoms right away
- Contact a personal injury lawyer before speaking to insurance adjusters
Accidents involving summer driving hazards in 2025 often raise complex issues. From distracted tourists to uninsured drivers, you need someone who knows how to protect your rights. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we can help from the very first call.
Can You File a Claim After a Summer Crash?
Yes—and in many cases, you should. Whether the accident involved a drunk driver, road construction confusion, or an inexperienced teen, you may have the right to seek compensation for what you’ve lost. Illinois law gives you the ability to file a claim when someone else’s negligence causes your injury.
That claim may cover:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages from time off work
- Emotional trauma or pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Long-term disability or reduced quality of life
But waiting too long can cost you. The statute of limitations in Illinois is short, and the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence and track down witnesses. In summer crashes, especially, many at-fault drivers are from out of state or difficult to locate later.
Insurance companies know how to delay, deny, or undercut your claim. Don’t go up against them alone. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we deal with insurers every day. Our goal is to make sure your claim is taken seriously and that you receive fair compensation, not whatever the insurance adjuster decides you’re worth.
Looking for a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer?
Summer accidents happen fast, but recovery takes time. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver, hurt in a construction zone, or injured in any summer driving hazard in 2025, the legal team at Abels & Annes, P.C. is here to help. We’ve worked with injured drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians across Chicago to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation our clients deserve.
Call Abels & Annes, P.C. at (312) 924-7575 for Chicago or (224) 998-6007 for Evanston to schedule your free consultation.
David Abels
Partner
David Abels has carved a niche for himself in the personal injury law sector, dedicating a substantial part of his career since 1997 to representing victims of various accidents. With a law practice that spans over two decades, his expertise has been consistently recognized within the legal community.
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