For many, fall is a welcome change from the warmer weather. They enjoy the changing leaves and the cooler temperatures. With the onset of fall, however, some potential dangers exist that drivers need to be aware of that could cause serious crashes.
While you do need to keep a close eye on the road and keep your car at a safe speed, additional reasons in the fall exist that make driving safely more important. These are the top fall driving hazards that could lead to a serious crash.
Back To School Children Crossing Streets
One of the top driving hazards during the fall season is children heading back to school. During the summer months, drivers become accustomed to school zones that are children free for the most part. Many school zones only require slower speeds during the school year, and drivers must adjust to the change in the fall.
Drivers must contend with school buses dropping and picking up students daily, parents parked at the curb of the school grounds waiting for their children, and children crossing the street.
When you enter a school zone, slow down and always make a complete stop at stop signs. You need to pay attention to crossing guards and obey their instructions. Do not block the crosswalks. This makes children have to walk around you and possibly into the path of oncoming cars.
When you meet up with a school bus, stop when the flashing lights activate. In addition, never go around a stopped bus. Always wait until the bus begins moving again before proceeding.
Weather And Lighting
Fall is a period of frequently changing weather patterns. You can have one day be bright and sunny and the next be cold and rainy. This can hamper driving and make being on the road more dangerous. During the fall months, the sun will appear lower in the sky, making the road difficult to see due to sun glare.
Fall could mean a lot of rain falling onto the streets, and this could cause localized flooding and damage to roads. If cleanup crews do not clear away falling leaves from drains, water will pool onto the road and create a slick and slippery surface. This could lead to a car sliding and causing an crash.
Fog is also a concern during the fall months. The frequent changes of temperature can create heavy fog and make the road difficult to see during the morning. This means you need to slow down and pay careful attention to your surroundings.
Snow can also be a factor during the late fall months. In many states, the cold temperatures settle in and could bring snow early. If you have not driven on snowy or icy roads in several months, losing control is easier to do.
Leaves And Debris
Snow is not the only potential hazard on the road during the fall months. Another can make the roads slippery. Falling leaves are a very common cause of fall driving crashes. Wet leaves can be just as slippery as snow and make for a similar driving experience as traveling on ice. Drive as you would during the winter months: slower and with added caution.
Debris can also be a cause, as higher wind gusts blow broken branches or other debris onto the roads. This can cause a car to swerve and potentially lead to a serious car crash.
If you have been involved in a serious car crash, we are here to help you win your case. Contact Ringsmuth Wuori PLLC for a free consultation. We will be happy to answer any questions you have.
