The Unique Dangers of Fall Driving – Tips from Our Car Accident Lawyers
Autumn, known for its beauty, is also the most dangerous season for car accidents in the US. As daylight dwindles and temperatures descend, driving conditions become increasingly perilous due to a combination of factors. Fortunately, armed with the right information and advice from The Law Offices of Kenneth G. Egan, you can safeguard yourself against the hazards of fall driving. This blog post dives into the most common types of fall car accidents and offers insights on how to avert them.
Autumn’s Heightened Peril:
According to a recent study, autumn is the most hazardous season for auto-accident damage in the United States. The study reveals a 52% higher likelihood of drivers filing insurance claims for accidents in the fall compared to the summer. This initially seems counterintuitive since winter appears to be the most dangerous season for driving. This is true, however, most people in the US do not experience winters like they do up north.
Contributing Factors:
Several elements converge to elevate the risk of accidents during the fall season:
Weather Conditions: The prevalence of wet leaves, fog, and rain reduces visibility and renders roads slippery. On top of this, lower temperatures can cause water to freeze in shadows during the day, presenting an unseen danger.
Wildlife Activity: Deer, searching for food, become more prevalent on roadways during this season.
Early Darkness: With daylight hours diminishing, drivers are more likely to find themselves navigating in the dark, which makes conditions more dangerous.
Increased Traffic: The fall season, marked by various holidays, experiences a surge in travel, culminating in heightened traffic and congestion. Further, a higher number of individuals opt for using their cars instead of alternative modes of transportation, largely due to the cold weather.
Common Causes of Fall Driving Accidents:
An array of factors contributes to accidents during the fall season, and some of the most prevalent causes include:
Tailgating: Following vehicles too closely can lead to difficulties stopping in time when the vehicle in front suddenly halts.
Distracted Driving: Even a momentary diversion of attention from the road, whether due to phone use, texting, or eating, can escalate the risk of accidents.
Speeding: Driving at speeds exceeding the appropriate conditions can make it challenging to stop in time, particularly on wet or slippery roads.
Driving in the Wrong Lane: Illegally crossing the center line and veering into oncoming traffic often leads to head-on collisions, fueled by factors such as intoxication, distraction, or fatigue.
Reckless Driving: Illegal passing, disregarding red lights, and engaging in other reckless behaviors elevate accident risks.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Failure to adhere to red lights or stop signs frequently results in T-bone collisions, often stemming from intoxication, distraction, or fatigue.
Sudden Turns: Executing abrupt turns at high speeds heightens the risk of rollover accidents.
Uneven Roads: Cooling weather paired with the warmth from direct sunlight causes asphalt and concrete to expand and contract. This creates hazards like potholes and cracks.
Strategies to Avoid Fall Driving Accidents
Adopting several precautionary measures can significantly reduce the risk of fall driving accidents:
Moderate Speed: Slowing down during wet or icy conditions allows for more reaction time to unforeseen hazards.
Situational Awareness: Staying attentive to the road and the surrounding vehicles, with a special focus on deer and pedestrians, enhances safety.
Headlight Use: Employing headlights, even during daylight hours in the fall, enhances vehicle visibility.
Adequate Following Distance: Leaving ample space between your vehicle and the one ahead ensures time to react if the leading vehicle stops abruptly.
Minimize Distractions: Safeguard your drive by stowing away your phone and avoiding other potential distractions.
In the Event of an Accident
Should you become involved in a fall driving accident, it’s imperative to seek medical attention immediately, regardless of whether you think you are injured. Injuries can take time to manifest. Additionally, contacting the police to file a report is crucial. In cases where injuries and damages are sustained, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other associated costs. The dedicated team at The Law Offices of Kenneth G. Egan is here to guide you in pursuing the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today for a complimentary consultation.
Our Las Cruces Car Accident Attorneys are Here to Help
While autumn is renowned for its stunning foliage displays, it also ushers in a series of driving risks, encompassing reduced visibility, fog, slick roadways induced by rain showers, and the treacherous terrain of wet leaves. Moreover, longer nights increase hit-and-run risks, but our experienced attorneys at The Law Office Of Kenneth G. Egan can help you stay safe with valuable insights. Stay vigilant and drive safely this season. Contact our Las Cruces car accident attorneys today if you have been injured in an accident.