In the Midwest, fall is a gorgeous time of year. The changing leaves and crisp air provide great weather for all sorts of outdoor activities before it gets too cold. However, it is still important to take precautions when driving due to a variety of potential road hazards that are unique to the season.
The experienced attorneys of Hupy and Abraham have provided this list of fall driving tips to help avoid the most common causes for accidents during this time of year.
Always remember to:
Watch for Wet Falling Leaves
As leaves begin to fall, wet leaves on the roadway can be as slippery as ice. Make sure you keep a greater distance between you and the car in front of you to stop in case of an emergency. Leaves also can obscure traffic lines and other pavement markings, making driving in unfamiliar areas difficult. Slow down and use extra caution when you see leaves covering the road.
Remain Extra Cautious in Fog
Fall tends to bring more foggy weather as the season is changing. When driving in fog, drivers should use low-beam headlights as high beams will create glare and reduce visibility rather than help it. Low-beam headlights will also enhance visibility of your vehicle on overcast days.
Prepare for Sun Glare
The glare from the sun can easily, and suddenly, blind drivers. Be sure to keep sunglasses handy, as sunrises and sunsets can be very bright in fall and tend to coincide with the morning and evening rush hours. Also remember to remove all clutter from sun visors and keep the inside of windshields clean.
Never Veer for Deer
In some areas, deer are incredibly common. At night, their skittish presence near roadways can be very dangerous. If a crash with a deer is unavoidable, don’t swerve because you could cause another accident. Brake firmly and hold onto the steering wheel with both hands. Then, come to a controlled stop and move the vehicle out of traffic to a safe location.
Look for Frosty Roads
As temperatures lower with the sun, frost can form on windshields and roads. Slow down when approaching bridges and overpasses, as they are quicker to collect frost. And always be sure to clear your windshield completely before driving.
Get Ready for Less Daylight
In the fall, there are fewer hours of daylight. In the early evening, many people are out walking their dog, jogging and walking along with kids playing. With less daylight, it will make things difficult to see. Make sure you are always driving defensively and keeping an eye out for pedestrians.
Injured in an accident?
Alternatively, it’s important to keep your vehicle properly maintained, especially before winter comes. We also recommend keeping a quality winter emergency kit in your vehicle. Click HERE for a checklist to help prepare the inside and outside of your vehicle for winter.
By following these tips, Hupy and Abraham is confident you can help prepare yourself for fall driving. But in the unfortunate event that you or a loved one is injured while driving this fall, please contact our personal injury lawyers by calling 800-800-5678 for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation today or start a live chat with us anytime at Hupy.com.
