Most people love autumn; it’s the season where you can embrace pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters without the burden of snow. However, fall brings a host of its problems for drivers. There are four main hazards that drivers need to watch out for during the fall season.
Long nights
Autumn means the end of daylight savings time and the beginning of long, cold nights. The longer nights mean more darkness for drivers to travel in, which leads to more car accidents.
It’s especially challenging for older drivers who need more light to determine speed, distances and glare. Luckily, high beams are available in all modern vehicles. If you are still having troubles, try to focus on the lines on the roadways and keep the windshields as clear as possible.
School back in session
The beginning of September means more kids are heading back to school. With more kids, it means there are more cars on the road, including buses and pedestrians. It continues throughout the fall and into the winter.
Most drivers know to watch out for kids and more traffic in the morning and afternoon. But also, be aware of buses and their flashing lights. Passing a bus ends in a costly ticket and a possible accident if you aren’t paying attention.
Irregular weather patterns
Fall is an incredibly beautiful season with the leaves falling and the colors changing. However, it’s also an unpredictable season with a mixture of summer heat and winter cold over a short period. You need to anticipate fog, heavy rain, icy roads and wet leaves on the streets.
The best way to fight unpredictable weather is to know what to expect before you hit the road. Take a few minutes each morning to check the weather. Knowledge is power, and knowing the weather helps you become a better driver.
Deer season
Along with weather changes, autumn also brings an increase in deer due to their mating season. The rise in deer means more animals darting across the highway than drivers see in the summer months.
When it comes to deer, motorists need to slow down and stay vigilant during their daily trips – especially during the early morning or late nights when deer are the most active. Also, make sure you wear a seat-belt because you never know when a deer (or several) will need to cross.
Watching out for this fall time road hazards will make you a safer driver, but it won’t guarantee you aren’t involved in an accident. If you are, make sure to seek immediate medical attention and gather evidence for any future claims.