Fall Safety Tips for Motorists
The fall season often brings enjoyable weather and outdoor activities, however, it also presents unique challenges for drivers. The natural seasonal changes and weather conditions causes fall to be more hazardous for drivers. This is because of the falling leaves combined with the wetter, frostier conditions. This, coupled with fewer daylight hours, makes car accidents more likely to happen. After an accident, the victim is encouraged to contact a lawyer to help recover losses through a personal injury claim.
Be Aware of Sunrise and Sunset Changes
Sun glare is very problematic during sunrise and sunset, especially as the daylight patterns are changing. Sunrise and sunset tends to fall around the rush hour times for commuters, which is when the roads are the most populated. A driver can prepare by keeping a set of sunglasses handy in their vehicle, removing clutter from sun visors, and keeping the windshield clean. This helps to reduce the glare that occurs during this time of day.
One should keep in mind that a 50-year-old driver may need twice as much light to see than a 30-year-old motorist. The American Optometric Association found that those who are 60 years old and older generally see road signs less clearly, have a hard time seeing things in the distance, and they are generally bothered more when headlights glare. Older drivers should keep this in mind before getting behind the wheel during the darker hours of the day.
Recommendations When Driving on Wet Roads with Slippery Leaves
Rainy weather is more common in autumn, tampering with sightlines and increasing the chances of hydroplaning. Streets with leaves that are not cleared add slippery layers on roadways, especially when they are soggy from the rain or icy from cold temperatures.
Oftentimes, the morning rush hour is filled with frost-ridden streets. Drivers should stay alert, give themselves enough space to stop, and avoid braking suddenly. Those who see wet leaves in the road should drive carefully without rushing.
These leaves can also camouflage potholes, creating another driving obstacle. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), drivers should use low beams and maintain safe distances between other vehicles when it gets foggy. It is best to avoid braking on leaves whenever possible. Clumps of wet leaves may obscure lane lines and other road markers.
What is a Leaf Peeper?
Leaf peepers are tourists or locals that congregate to stare at the foliage. When people stand carelessly and do not pay attention to cars, it makes it difficult to rely on pedestrians to move out of the way for drivers. Therefore, drivers should always stay cautious around pedestrians. Similarly, they should keep safe distances to avoid collisions.
What Should I Do if I am Driving in a School Zone?
Although many children are enrolled in virtual schooling, there are still many schools across the nation that have resumed in-class sessions. Drivers should stay extra cautious and follow the posted speed limits. They should also keep a safe distance from pedestrians, especially children.
Drivers should also note that there are plenty of new student drivers that lack experience entering the roads. Therefore, it is crucial to stay wary of young, inexperienced drivers leaving school zones and picking up friends or siblings.
Drivers must also remember that most states require drivers to halt for school buses with red flashers engaged.
Should I Check My Tires?
As the temperatures rise and fall, these changes may cause car tires to expand and contract, which leads to the loss of air pressure. Drivers should check tire pressure regularly to ensure that the tires are inflated. The proper air pressure for tires is found on the car owner’s manual.
Are Deer More Active in Autumn?
An estimated one in every 100 drivers will hit one deer during their lifetime, according to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). While this statistic does not seem high, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that drivers are 3.5 more likely to hit an animal, especially a deer, in the month of November more than any other time of the year. The reason for this is because fall is deer mating season. Divers should stay prepared for the possibility of encountering a deer while on the road.
Drivers can avoid deer-related accidents by paying attention to Deer Crossing signs and being extra cautious when driving at dusk or dawn, which is when the most crashes occur.
What Should I Do in the Event of a Car Accident?
Despite being a lawful and responsible driver, accidents still happen. Drivers should consider both their physical safety and their legal options immediately after accidents. A car accident victim is encouraged to contact a lawyer to help recover any damages.
Immediately after an accident, a driver should be prepared with a charged cellphone, medical alert information, emergency contacts, first-aid supplies, and insurance. They should first examine themselves and other passengers for any injuries. Victims should also file a police report immediately, even if there is minimal damage and injuries.
A driver should obtain the other motorist’s information for insurance purposes, repair costs, and potential mediation. They should get contact information from the other driver and witnesses. It is also important to take photographs of the crash scene.
A car accident victim can file a lawsuit soon after a collision. It is best to contact a lawyer immediately after the accident to remember vital details for a personal injury claim. A drivers should contact a lawyer for more details related to their specific case and their legal options.
Highland Park Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Advocate for Hurt Car Accident Victims
Our Highland Park car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr are dedicated to helping you get proper compensation for your car-accident related damages. If you were in a car accident, contact us online or call us at 732-537-8570 for a free consultation. Located in Highland Park, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
