Fall Driving Safety
Fall marks the end of daylight saving time and, for many parts of the country, the beginning of the rainy season. Darker roads and wet road conditions are contributing causes of avoidable car accidents during this time of year. It is important to take certain safety precautions. The following are hazards to watch out for while driving this fall:
Less Daylight: Drivers should keep in mind that there is decreased daylight in the fall season. According to the National Safety Council, 25 percent of our driving and 50 percent of traffic fatalities occur at night, when there is not as much light to illuminate street signs and road conditions.
More Rain: For many parts of the country, including New Jersey, fall is a rainy season. Rain-coated, foggy, and icy roads are hazardous and must be accounted for by driving slowly and more carefully over areas that tend to be frosted over, such as overpasses and bridges.
School Children: Children return to school during the fall, therefore drivers should watch out for kids who are getting off school busses and/or crossing the street. Some children may not be looking both ways before crossing the street, so it is important for drivers to be extra cautious when driving in school zones and neighborhoods.
Animals: Drivers are more likely to hit an animal while driving in the fall season than any other time of the year, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Deer are likely to be mating, so it is important to watch out for them on the roads, especially during dusk and dawn.
Glare: Sun glare is particularly intense during the fall season. Wearing sunglasses and keeping your windshield clean will help deflect the glare so you can see the roadway and other vehicles more clearly. Also, avoid looking straight into the headlights of oncoming vehicles at night.
Leaves: Fallen leaves may accumulate on the roads, blocking road markings that demarcate the lanes. Especially when combined with wet conditions, leaves present a hazard to drivers during the fall when they may become stuck to the windshield or are frozen on the roads.
Vehicle Maintenance: It is important to maintain your vehicle during the fall season. Replace worn windshield wiper blades, clean dirty headlights, and keep an emergency safety kit in your vehicle. Pay special attention to your tires, which may not have enough tread or pressure.
Highland Park Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Help Those Injured in Fall Driving Accidents
If you were injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. The Highland Park car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr have over 40 years of experience representing clients in personal injury claims. Contact us online or call us at 877-249-4600 for a free consultation. We represent clients throughout central New Jersey, including Middlesex County, and the communities of Highland Park, Somerset, New Brunswick, and Piscataway.
