A few short years ago many people were proclaiming that America's love affair with cars and driving was over. However, U.S. auto sales in 2016 are on pace to beat the record 17.5 million vehicles sold just last year. Additionally, Americans logged more than 3.1 trillion miles in 2015, eclipsing the record set in 2007.

It appears the old flame is still burning bright and, as we move into the summer driving season with relatively low gas prices, possibly the lowest since 2004, many more people may take to the roads.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects the retail price of regular-grade gas will average $2.04 a gallon during the 2016 summer driving season, down from an average of $2.63 last summer. These lower gas prices create a powerful economic incentive to drive more, but the result is higher levels of traffic congestion, which often leads to fender benders.

Risky behaviors

This is particularly true in the summer months when people are traveling in unfamiliar areas. Travel to and from fun social activities such as festivals, vacations, the beach or just hanging out with friends and family too often creates a temptation to stay connected through a cell phone or by texting while driving. Although texting and cell phone use get a lot of media attention, distractions can also include operating car navigation systems, eating while driving and disciplining kids in the back seat.