Why summer driving conditions increase accident risk and how data can help – MICHELIN Mobility Intelligence

Summer is generally viewed as the safest season to be on the road with its clear skies, dry surfaces, and extended daylight hours all suggesting the ideal driving conditions. However, the reality is more complex. Despite favourable weather, summer consistently sees a rise in road incidents, particularly in areas with high traffic volumes or popular tourist routes.

In this article, we’ll go over the hidden risks of summer driving and examine how data-driven insights are helping fleet operators and transport authorities ensure safer roads amidst seasonal challenges.

The myth of safe summer roads

Warm, dry weather decreases some obvious risks like ice or reduced visibility, but it also introduces new hazards that are usually underestimated. For example, large traffic counts, driver fatigue, overheating vehicles, and unpredictable road users all contribute to a heightened level of danger during summer.

On top of this, longer journeys mean more time on the road, which in turn increases risk exposure. Roadworks also peak in summer because of the conditions being more favourable, adding detours, bottlenecks, and unfamiliar road layouts into the mix.

Summer driving hazards and how they can be avoided

1. Tourism and unfamiliar drivers

Drivers unfamiliar with local roads are one of the key contributors to elevated risk due to how they are naturally less aware of speed limits, prone to last-minute lane changes, and likely to be distracted by sat-navs. In rural locations, this is compounded by narrow roads, sharp bends, or limited mobile signal coverage.

Commercial drivers are equally impacted in this context because they face unpredictable traffic patterns and delays on routes which are usually consistent, translating to higher accident risk. Route planning can significantly mitigate this obstacle.

Namely, by leveraging real-time traffic data and historical travel patterns, dynamic routing software can help fleets avoid routes heavily frequented by tourist traffic or known to experience congestion during peak holiday periods.

High temperatures place additional strain on vehicles, specifically tyres and engines. Consequently, blowouts and overheating are more common in summer, especially in heavily loaded lorries or older fleet vehicles.

Monitoring these conditions in real-time through software platforms that integrate telematics data allows for early fault detection. Through the tracking of metrics such as tyre pressure and engine temperature, managers can identify when a vehicle is at risk and schedule preventative maintenance before a breakdown or incident happens.

3. Driver fatigue and heat stress

Alongside vehicles themselves, hot weather affects drivers too. Long hours in warm cabins can lead to dehydration, reduced concentration, and slower reaction times. And, air conditioning isn’t always a fix for this, particularly during stop-start driving.

Driving-facing dash cams are increasingly being used to detect early signs of fatigue and heat stress. These systems use AI-based sensors to track behaviour like erratic steering, prolonged eye closure, head nodding, or lack of movement. When abnormal patterns are identified, real-time alerts can prompt the driver to take a break. Over time, the data gathered can also be analysed in order to develop targeted rest policies.

How data helps navigate summer risk

With the right data in hand, operators can make informed decisions which lower summer-specific risks. Heatmaps of accident hotspots, congestion forecasts, and weather-linked risk models allow fleets to choose safer routes, adjust schedules, and prepare vehicles for high-temperature operation.

Predictive analytics also enables scenario planning, such as estimating the impact of a weekend or planning detours around seasonal roadworks. Rather than reacting to issues as they occur, this proactive approach means fleet managers stay ahead of the risks.

Michelin’s data-driven approach to safer summer journeys

At MICHELIN Mobility Intelligence, we help organisations anticipate and manage the seasonal fluctuations that impact road safety. Our AI-powered technologies bring together vehicle telematics, environmental data, and behavioural insights to support safe, efficient mobility all year round.

Whether you manage a fleet of delivery vans or oversee regional transport infrastructure, our solutions can help you tackle the hidden challenges of summer driving before they turn into real-world consequences.

If you’re interested in learning more about how our products can help reduce risk and keep your operations moving, then contact us today.