Driving always has risks, regardless of the season. However, as the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, the fall season introduces a unique set of challenges for drivers. From unpredictable weather patterns to increased wildlife activity, fall driving requires a heightened awareness of these challenges. Understanding these challenges can help drivers stay safe and avoid accidents.
Many assume that winter is the most treacherous because of the risk of snow and ice, but fall offers its own set of unique challenges:
- Changing weather: Fall weather can be highly unpredictable. One moment, it’s a crisp sunny day; the next, a sudden rain shower can make roads slick with ice patches. Early morning frost can also create icy patches, especially on bridges and overpasses. Drivers need to be prepared for these sudden changes and adjust their driving accordingly.
- Reduced daylight: As the days get shorter, many drivers commute in dark or dusky settings where reduced visibility can make it harder to see pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.
- Fallen leaves: While changing leaf colors make for spectacular viewing, fallen wet leaves can be as slippery as ice, reducing traction and increasing stopping distances. Additionally, piles of leaves can obscure road markings and hide potholes or other road hazards.
- Sun glare: The sun’s angle during the fall can create intense glare during sunrise and sunset, which often coincides with peak driving times. This glare can temporarily blind drivers, making it difficult to see the road ahead.
- Increased wildlife activity: Fall is a peak time for wildlife activity, particularly deer, which are more active during the fall due to mating season and migration patterns. Collisions with wildlife can cause significant damage to vehicles and pose serious safety risks.
- School traffic: With the start of the school year, traffic increases around schools and some neighborhoods. This involves school buses making frequent stops, children walking or biking to school, and parents dropping off or picking up their kids.
- Fog: Fall mornings often bring fog, which can severely reduce visibility, making it difficult to see other vehicles, road signs, cyclists and pedestrians.
Legal action may be necessary
These issues are on top of the usual bad habits some drivers exhibit. Family members severely injured due to others not taking fall-related driving challenges seriously can exercise their legal rights to hold the negligent accountable. A personal injury attorney who handles severe motor vehicle accidents can help victims and loved ones understand their options and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. Whether dealing with insufficient insurance claims or pursuing legal action against a negligent driver, having the right legal support can make a significant difference.
