How to Prevent Autumn Car Accidents

The leaves are changing, the temperatures are dropping, and there is a chill in the air. Autumn not only signals the start of the holiday season but also the start of new necessary driving precautions. As you begin to travel the highways to see relatives, make your way to and from airports, and make more and more shopping trips, remember that there are important steps you can take to keep your family safe on the roadways.

Fallen Leaves

The first thing most people think about when they hear autumn is beautiful fall leaves. The reds, oranges, yellows, and greens are wonderful to look at through a car window. But did you know that fall leaves can present serious road hazards?

The leaves can cover the lines and indicators on the road. As it becomes harder to see the lanes, drivers are more likely to drift out of their lane, potentially hitting others.

In addition to the visual impairment they present, fall leaves are often covered in rain and dew. When wet leaves cover the pavement, your tires are more likely to slip on them. Any quick maneuvers could lead to full spin-outs or serious accidents.

Fog

Moist fall weather often means morning fog. Fog is a massive driving safety hazard. It is nearly impossible to improve your vision in fog beyond turning on your headlights. In fog, you won’t be able to see as far, the turn signals and brake lights of other vehicles are more difficult to discern, and road debris or wildlife are nearly impossible to spot. The safest way to drive in fog? Don’t.

Wildlife

Fall is mating season for several breeds of wildlife, including deer. Mating season means that animals will be more active, crossing streets and highways with greater frequency, causing more accidents. A fully grown deer can weigh up to 300 pounds, and hitting it can cause windshield damage, damage to your car’s body, and injury to you. Furthermore, combining active wildlife with any of the weather conditions common in autumn is a dangerous situation. A large deer hopping out of the fog right in front of your vehicle is sure to cause a problem.

Schoolchildren and School Zones

Fall also means back to school. Expect children and teens to be walking, blading, biking, and scooting all over your neighborhood roads. After a long summer, it’s all too easy to ignore the posted school speed limit zones. However, it’s critical to take those signs seriously and adjust your plans to accommodate slower stretches of driving. Remember, ignoring a school speed limit could be fatal.

Cooler Temperatures

Break out the sweaters. Many people’s favorite aspects of fall are the cooler temperatures. While appearances of sweaters and hats are on the rise, so too are driving risks.

Icy Roads

Naturally, cooler temperatures mean the chance for roads to freeze. Icy roads severely reduce the amount of traction and control you will have over your car, increasing the probability of an accident. Further, fall brings on the possibility of black ice. “Black ice” is ice that is so clear it blends in with the black pavement, making it nearly impossible to see. When drivers can’t see ice, they can’t adjust for it and make safer driving choices. When temperatures drop below freezing, your best bet is to drive with the possibility of ice in mind.

Tire Pressure

While it’s natural to connect colder temperatures with icy roads, most don’t think about colder temperatures changing your tire pressure. When air is cold, the molecules condense, reducing the space the air takes up and reducing your tire pressure. Driving with low tire pressure is dangerous. Under-inflated tires flex more than properly inflated tires. This leads to instability when cornering and braking and greater heat buildup that can lead to tire blowouts.

The End of Daylight Saving Time

Fall also brings the end of Daylight Saving Time. When the clock falls back, that means it gets darker earlier, and you are likely to be doing your commute in the dark. Therefore, in the fall and winter, you are going to be spending more time driving at night. Night driving comes with lower visibility and greater chances for fatigue.

Call CHASENBOSCOLO Today

As the driving conditions become more hazardous this fall season, accidents will happen. If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to the actions of a reckless driver, call CHASENBOSCOLO at (301) 220-0050 today. Our experienced attorneys will help you navigate through the legal implications of the accident and can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses.