Common Hazards of Fall Driving  

Fall is one of the best seasons of the year to take a leisurely drive to go apple picking, find the best pumpkin at a local pumpkin patch, or simply admire the changing leaves. However, with the end of daylight saving approaching, and the falling leaves covering the roads, fall can also be fraught with hidden dangers when it comes to driving.

Many of these hazards can be avoided by using extra caution and always following the rules of the road.

With the shorter days and the changes in weather, motorists should be aware of some of the specific traffic hazards, so that they can take the necessary steps to avoid car accidents.

Fall Safe Driving Tips

The following are some helpful tips to stay safe throughout the next several months:

Use caution when driving at night. The days are shorter, which means that there are more hours in the day that you may be driving at night. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 50 percent of traffic fatalities occur at night, even though only 25 percent of our total driving occurs at night.

In addition, as we age, it becomes more difficult to see clearly when driving at night, making it harder to judge the speed and distance of another vehicle.

Steer clear of children. When a school bus is dropping off children, vehicles must come to complete stop when the bus’s lights are flashing and the “stop” arm is extended. Drivers must pay close attention to children who may dart across the street without looking.

 Be careful when roads are wet. When the roads are wet due to rain, sleet, or snow, it can lead to dangerous driving conditions. From wet leaves covering the roads to potholes filled with water, these slick road conditions can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, and result in a serious car accident. Follow the speed limit and try to stay on clear roads that are free of any debris or leaves. 

Watch out for animals. November is mating season for deer, which means that there are more deer running across the roads, especially at night. According to the animal rights group, PETA, approximately one out of every 100 drivers will hit a deer at some point.

Maintain your vehicle. If your tires are bald, they will not have sufficient tread to perform on wet, slick surfaces. Make sure your tires are in good condition, and that they have the appropriate amount of air pressure as the seasons change.

Manage sun glare. Extreme sun glare can make it very difficult to see. Make sure that your windshield is clean, so that the dirt streaks do not make the glare even worse. Keep a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle and avoid looking directly at the sun. This also applies to bright headlights of oncoming vehicles.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Fall Car Accidents

If you have been injured in a car accident during the fall season, it is in your best interest to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. There are several traffic hazards that are unique to this time of year, and we will work closely with you to determine the cause of the accident and ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.