Driving Hazards to Watch Out For This Fall

Although we may love the colorful foliage and the rich bounty that comes with the changing seasons, the reality is that autumn can also be marked by its share of safety hazards. Of course, there are dangers we have to avoid just about everywhere. In 2015, for example, over 20,000 workplace slip-and-fall injuries were reported to OSHA in California alone and they had to contact a Workers Compensation Injury Physical Therapy expert for their injuries. But it’s not just at work that you need to be on your guard. You’ll also need to keep a sharp eye out for threats when you’re traveling on the roads. Whether you’re heading to work, taking a peaceful drive to look at the scenery, or loading up the car for a holiday trip, you’ll want to pay close attention for these autumnal driving dangers — and do everything you can to mitigate their risks.

Fallen Leaves

We don’t call this season “fall” for nothing. Once October rolls around, the changing leaves start to end up on the ground. You might like crunching through them during a walk around your neighborhood, but the unfortunate truth is that this foliage can cause major problems for drivers. It’s nearly impossible to rake or blow all of these leaves up, which means they tend to cover roadways. As a result, they may obscure important road markings or potholes, which can translate to major mishaps for motorists. And when the rainy weather takes hold, these leaves can make streets extremely slick. Slick roads can make accidents more likely. Even dry leaves can actually ignite when they come into contact with engine components, so be sure not to park on a leaf pile. Driving through leaf piles can also lead to major injuries if children, pets, or other animals are hiding inside. In short, make it a habit to avoid areas littered with leaves and be sure to slow down on roadways during the fall.

Lack of Daylight

Daylight saving time makes us feel we get an extra hour of sleep in the morning. But it also means that we have fewer daylight hours to work with. You may find you end up driving to and from work each day in darkness. That means that there’ll be more people on the roads when visibility is lower and headlight glare is higher. According to AARP, 50% of traffic deaths occur during nighttime hours, despite the fact that we do only 25% of our driving at this time. You’ll want to be sure to get your headlights serviced and keep your windshield free of any obstructions so you can see clearly. It’s a good idea to get your eyes checked now, as well. Keep in mind that driving in foggy conditions (which are relatively common during autumn) will require different tactics. Low-beam headlights are necessary in this type of weather, as they’ll actually allow you to see better. Don’t forget that any time your windshield wipers (which you should also have checked!) are in use, your headlights should be on, too.

Lower Temperatures

Chilly mornings and frigid evenings make it hard to want to leave the house. If you do go out in your car, you’ll need to take proper precautions against cold weather conditions. First of all, make sure your car’s heating system works well and that you can safely defrost your windows when needed. It’s a good idea that you have the battery checked, examine your tire pressure and treads, and refill any fluids that are running low. As a general rule, you should drive and brake more slowly in cold weather. This is especially true on bridges, which freeze before regular roadways. You may not be able to tell when a section of road is covered in black ice, so you should watch your speed and be particularly attentive to other drivers around you when temperatures drop.

Deer Populations

Although many animals mate in the spring, autumn is prime time for deer to start a family. That can be problematic for a few reasons, including the presence of these creatures on or near major highways and busy streets. These animals are fast, frequently “come out of nowhere,” and really live up to that old “deer in the headlights” adage. It’s no wonder that a recent study found that there were more than 1.9 million insurance claims filed for collisions with animals in between 2018 and 2019, with 1.5 million of those claims involving deer. Those who will be involved in collision accidents may consider having their vehicles repaired at their trusted and reliable automotive repair and collision center.

It’s a sad sight to see a deceased deer on the side of the road — but it’s scarier to think of the damage these animals can do when they find themselves in these situations. And while your first instinct might be to avoid hitting these animals, insurance companies and consumer protection agencies actually recommend that you try your best not to swerve, as this can increase your risk of crashing or hurting others. To avoid these scenarios altogether, experts caution drivers to slow down (particularly in known animal crossing areas), remove distractions, turn on high beams, and drive in a middle lane if it’s available. Use extra caution during the morning and evening hours, as this is when deer will be most active. And if you see a deer nearby or watch one cross the street, always assume others will follow close by.

Although fall hazards may not be completely avoidable, knowing what to expect can keep you on high alert — and most of all, keep you safe while on the road.