With Fall right around the corner, you’re probably ready to enjoy the changing leaves and indulge in seasonal delights. This is an incredible time of year, but it can also be dangerous for drivers. So, here are five tips on how to avoid Fall driving hazards this season.
1. Never Brake on Leaves
Did you know that wet leaves can be just a s slippery as ice? Even when dry, they can create a hazard that causes your vehicle’s wheels to lose traction. The mistake many drivers make is braking when they hit a patch of leaves.
Ideally, you should brake before your tires reach the obstacle. Hard braking on a patch of leaves can cause you to slide into the other lane or off the side of the road. It can also be difficult to tell where lane lines are underneath leaves. So, take extra caution when you see them.
2. Avoiding Glare
The Autumnal Equinox comes with increased glare around sunrise and sunset. Depending on your commute, that can lead to nightmare. If you can, avoid traveling east in the morning and west in the evening. If not, here’s what to do.
Car accident attorneys in Texas recommend keeping a pair of sunglasses on hand and your windshield clean. The combination is an excellent way to reduce glare from the sun during peak hours. You should also limit distraction during these times to help you maintain your focus.
3. Watch Out for Deer
The beginning of Fall also marks the first days of breeding season for deer. This leads them to be more active than normal, often heading out towards roadways and becoming a hazard. Just like glare, deer are most active during sunrise and sunset.
Pay close attention to deer crossing signs while you drive this Fall. There’s no sure fire way to avoid them, but you can make yourself more aware of their presence and keep your eyes peeled. The best way to avoid an accident is to drive defensively.
4. Let Your Eyes Adjust
Another common hazard is the lack of daylight. Each day, the sun sets at an earlier time as winter approaches. While it might not seem like it, your eyes can become a hazard if you don’t allow them to adjust to this natural change.
Leaving a brightly lit office or workspace and immediately driving in the dark can cause you to miscalculate turns and increase your sensitivity to other drivers’ headlights. A personal injury lawyer advises their clients to wait for two minutes before hitting the gas pedal, giving your eyes the time they need to see things more clearly.
5. Watch Those Bridges
While it might not be winter yet, frost can still accumulate in late Fall. The nights are colder, leaving dew to freeze over and pose a hazard for your morning commute in the form of icy patches. To avoid this one, all you have to do is slow down when crossing a bridge.
