How Can Drivers Stay Safe This Fall?
While you might think that the summer and winter driving seasons are riskier because of increased vacation and holiday traffic, autumn also presents hazards. Defensive driving keeps everyone safer throughout the year, and the following are tips to help you get through the fall driving season without getting into a car accident.
Daylight saving time (DST) ends on Nov. 6, 2022, and like every year, it takes time for drivers to adjust. There will be fewer hours of daylight, and you may encounter pedestrians and bicyclists in the late afternoon and early evening when it is harder to see them.
Thanksgiving also means increased numbers of travelers on the road. If you plan to take a trip, try to avoid doing so when the roads are the worst. On the day before Thanksgiving, the busiest times are from noon until 8:00 p.m. On Thanksgiving, it is from noon until 3:00 p.m. Traffic on the Sunday after the holiday can also be very congested, so try leaving a day early or before 11:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m.
You may also see more animals like deer on the roads in the fall; they often mate during November. Be on the lookout around dawn and dusk, but you may also see them at other times.
Fall sunsets and sunrises can also be extremely bright, creating glare that obstructs your vision. Keep a pair of sunglasses in your car, and use them to combat sun glare.
Driving on Wet Leaves
During the fall season, after the leaves change color, they descend down onto lawns, sidewalks, streets, and everywhere else. They can certainly be beautiful, but there are risk factors. They can cover up hazards like potholes and painted crosswalks if they are not cleaned up. This can be dangerous, but once they get wet, there is even more potential for accidents.
As wet leaves gather together on roads, they create a slick mat that reduces tire traction. That film of water on the top acts just like ice, so it is wise to take precautions when you see them on the road. Reduce your speed, and keep a safe distance from other drivers. Also, make sure that your car’s tires have good treads, and clean off any leaves on your vehicle before heading out.
Should you skid on wet leaves, take your foot off the gas pedal, and do not slam on your brakes. Hitting them hard will make you slide faster and could cause you to crash. Instead, point the wheels in the direction that you want to go, and coast until you regain control. Adjust your steering when everything straightens back out.
New Brunswick Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Encourage Drivers to be Aware of Fall Driving Hazards
A car accident can happen any time of the year, and one of our skilled New Brunswick car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr can provide you with trusted legal guidance if you are facing that kind of situation. For a free consultation, complete our online form or call us at 732-537-8570. We are located in Highland Park, New Jersey and help clients in New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, Colonia, Elizabeth, and Newark.
