Driving hazards to watch out for in the fall

Fall is a beautiful time of year in Connecticut, but while you’re admiring those colorful leaves and earlier sunsets, remember that fall brings many new hazards to the roadways. A combination of factors can make fall the most dangerous driving season.

Less visibility

Visibility is a huge issue in the fall driving season. Not only does the sunset come earlier, which can create blinding glare during rush hour, but there are also problems with fog and rain. Because work schedules typically don’t change with the seasons, so many people have to drive after dark a lot more than they’re used to.

Statistically speaking, nighttime really is a more dangerous time to drive. According to the National Safety Council, half of car accident deaths occur after dark even though only 25% of driving occurs at this time. Nighttime driving can be particularly dangerous for older drivers since people over the age of 50 generally need twice as much light as younger people to see the road ahead.

Wet conditions

Heavy rain can impact visibility, and the puddles that are leftover from it can cause hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when a driver loses steering ability because the front tires on their vehicle start floating in a large puddle. Unfortunately, those colorful fall leaves can add to this problem by blocking storm drains and creating more puddles.

Deer crossing the road

Fall is the worst time of year for motor vehicle accidents involving deer. This is deer mating season, and many deer cross the roadways while they are on the chase. Deer are also notoriously bad at crossing roads due to their high sensitivity to light.

Not everyone keeps safety in mind

In the fall, the road is more dangerous, but negligent drivers might not take the necessary precautions. If you were injured because of a driver who was being reckless, you may be able to pursue compensation from them in a personal injury claim.