Wet Leaves as Dangerous as Black Ice for Drivers 

As the weather continues to change and the temperatures drop, motorists need to be aware of certain seasonal hazards that can cause dangerous driving conditions. Motorists know that they must use extra caution when driving on ice, snow, or freezing rain. What many motorists may not realize is that when the leaves begin to fall, and they get wet from rain, they can make the roads extremely slippery. In fact, wet leaves can be even more hazardous than regular ice, and just as dangerous as black ice. There are several safety tips that motorists should keep in mind when driving in areas where there may be fallen leaves covering the roads. This can help prevent a serious accident from occurring.

What Makes Leaves Dangerous?

Trees take water in through their roots, not the leaves, which is why there is a wax coating on leaves that prevent water from absorbing. While this helps the trees, the water that sits on top of the leaf’s wax coating can create major problems when the leaves begin to fall. A blanket of wet leaves on the road can be as slippery as a sheet of ice. In addition, it can hide dangerous potholes or other serious road defects.

Driving Tips When Leaves Begin to Fall

The following tips can help motorists stay safe when driving during the fall and early winter, when wet leaves are more likely to be on the roads:

• Make sure that the vehicle’s tires, brakes, and windshield wipers are in good condition.
• Slow down, particularly when driving around corners. Anti-lock brakes will not help if you hit a patch of wet leaves.
• Maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you so that you have enough time to stop safely.
• Pay attention to your surroundings and use extra caution in case street marking are covered by wet leaves.
• If possible, avoid parking under trees. If wet leaves fall onto your car, they can affect the way your vehicle runs.

Steps to Take If You Hit a Patch of Wet Leaves

If you get caught on a slick surface of leaves, and you begin to lose control of your vehicle, try to remain calm and remember the following tips:

• Slowly ease your foot off the gas.
• Remember to steer in the direction that you want your car to go.
• Avoid accelerating or hitting the brakes until you can regain control of your vehicle.

Motorists should also know that the first 15 minutes of a rainstorm are the most dangerous. During this time, oils on the street that may have dried are released back onto the road’s surface. When these oils are combined with wet leaves, it can cause extremely hazardous driving conditions.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Car Accidents Caused by Wet Leaves

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a car accident caused by wet leaves on the road, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will review the details of your accident and obtain the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, we represent clients throughout 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.