FACT CHECK: IS WINTER THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME TO DRIVE?

Each year, about 5.5 million car accidents occur on U.S. roads. Many people wrongly assume that winter is the most dangerous time of the year to drive. And it's true that many parts of the country are frozen solid from November through February, leading to a number of ice- and snow-related crashes. However, this common belief is actually false.

So what is the most dangerous time of the year for driving?

Here in Nevada, and elsewhere, summer is actually the most dangerous time to drive. That's because there are more cars on the road, and, thus, more car accidents. According to the Nevada Department of Transportation, May through September see the most injury crashes in Nevada.

In addition, holiday periods are especially dangerous. According to the Nevada DOT, "From 2008 to 2010, 4th of July weekend was the deadliest holiday period with a three-year total of 13 fatalities. Thanksgiving Day followed with 7 and Martin Luther King Day, Presidents day and Veterans Day followed with 6 recorded over a three-year period." For younger drivers, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is especially risky, which is why this period is sometimes called the "100 Deadliest Days" for teen drivers.

If you cause a car accident that results in property damage, injuries, or fatalities, you could find yourself hiring an attorney to defend you. For your safety, and for others, it's important to drive safely all year, but even more so around major holidays. Unsafe driving can all too easily result in an accident, which can quickly turn into a personal injury case. So if you're looking to avoid needing to hire an attorney this winter, be aware of these common causes of accidents.

Driving too fast: Perhaps the biggest cause of accidents in the winter is simply driving too fast. When the roads are snowy and icy, it's important to slow down. Speeding can quickly result in spinning out or sliding into another car. Drivers need to always prioritize safety over reaching their destination on time. Instead, give yourself more time to reach your destination so you can drive a little slower.

Poor visibility: When you're driving, it's important to be able to see all of your surroundings. Because there are fewer hours of daylight in the winter, low visibility can be a major driving hazard. Not being able to see through the windows can prevent drivers from being able to see other cars, stop signs, or even pedestrians. Don't forget to change headlights as soon as they go out, regularly clean your windows and windshield, and drive more slowly in times of low visibility.

Tailgating: While it's important to never follow vehicles too closely, it's even more important when there are more cars on the road. Drivers need to understand that they need to give themselves more time to slow down and stop. And if you're driving too closely to the vehicle in front of you, you may not have the necessary time to avoid an accident. Following vehicles too closely can lead to rear-ending and some pretty significant damage and injuries.

Driving in the winter months requires extra precaution and attention. Hopefully, you can avoid an accident this winter. Unfortunately, driver inattention is all too common. So if you've been the victim of an accident, hiring an attorney is one of the first steps you should take. Hiring an attorney will help ensure proper compensation is received for the accident and damages are taken care of. This holiday season, keep these common causes of accidents in mind to ensure you're being as safe as possible on the roads this winter.