Safe Driving Tips for the Fall Season

by Jay Mascolo, Esq.

Your Guide to Staying Safe on the Road This Fall

Each season brings its own set of hazards, and autumn is no different. While it is a beautiful time of year, it can also be a dangerous one for drivers.

Fortunately, knowledge is power. By being aware of the potential dangers and taking some simple precautions, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the road.

Watch the Temperature

As the temperature begins to drop, so does the likelihood of bad weather. But even a small change in temperature can impact driving conditions. A light rain can turn to ice in a matter of minutes, making the roads slick and dangerous. As personal injury accident lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand the devastation that can be caused by even a minor weather event.

Before heading out, check the weather forecast, and be prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store. If the forecast calls for rain or snow, make sure your windshield wipers are in good working order and that you have enough windshield wiper fluid. You should also keep a small brush or ice scraper in your car, just in case you need to clear off your windshield or windows while on the road.

If you find yourself driving in bad weather, take it slow. Accelerate and brake slowly to avoid losing control of your vehicle, and give yourself extra space between you and the car in front of you. This will give you more time to stop if necessary.

Cold-related hazards can pop up even without prior warning. Be sure to drive slowly while driving across bridges and overpasses because they can freeze over before the rest of the road. And beware of black ice, which can be difficult to see and can cause your car to slide unexpectedly.

If you do start to skid, resist the urge to brake abruptly. This can cause you to lose control of your car. Instead, take your foot off the gas pedal, and steer in the direction you want the front of your car to go. Once you have regained control of your vehicle, you can gently brake to slow down.

Finally, make a daily habit of checking your tire pressure. Colder temperatures and frequent fluctuations can cause your tires to lose pressure, which can impact your traction and handling.

Prepare for Shorter Days

The fall season means shorter days and less daylight. Here in New Jersey, the sun sets hours earlier in November than it does in June. This can make it difficult to see while driving, especially during the early morning and evening hours.

To help counteract the shorter days before they begin, make sure your car’s headlights and taillights are in good working order. Replace any burned-out bulbs and clean your lenses to ensure they’re free of dirt, grime, or other debris.

You should also adjust your driving habits to account for the reduced visibility. Slow down, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination. And be sure to keep a close eye on pedestrians, particularly children who may be making their way to or from their bus stops in the early morning and afternoon hours.

Deer are also more active in the fall, so be on the lookout for them, especially in wooded areas. If you notice a deer on the side of the road, assume that others may be nearby. Slow down, and use caution when passing through these areas.

If you’re having trouble seeing while driving in the dark, use caution with your bright beams. High beams can temporarily blind oncoming drivers and make it difficult to see the road ahead. Use them sparingly – and only when absolutely necessary.

Use Caution in Fog

Fog can form quickly and without warning on cool autumn mornings, making driving conditions treacherous. If you find yourself in a fog, use your low beams rather than your high beams. High beams will reflect off the fog and make it more difficult to see.

Drive slowly, and be cautious of other vehicles because they may appear out of nowhere. Use extra caution when passing through areas that are known to be prone to fog, such as valleys or mountains.

If the fog is too thick to drive in, pull over to the side of the road and wait until it clears. Do not stop in the middle of the road; this can be dangerous for you and other drivers.

Be Prepared for Glare

The sun sits lower in the sky in the fall, which means that its rays are more likely to shine directly into your eyes. This can make driving difficult, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon hours.

To combat this, keep a pair of sunglasses in your car at all times, and put them on when you start to feel the glare. If possible, avoid driving during the times of day when the sun is most likely to be an issue.

If you must drive during these times, take extra caution, and go slowly. Regularly clean the interior and exterior of your windshield and windows to ensure that no dirt or grime is obscuring your vision. Be sure to remove smudges or streaks, too, because they may be magnified by direct sunlight, making it more difficult to see the road.

Your car washing habits can also help reduce glare. When washing your car, avoid products that increase shine on your vehicle. If the sun hits your car at the right angle, these products may reflect light into your eyes and temporarily impact your visibility.

Look Out for Leaves

While beautiful to look at, falling leaves can create hazards on the road. For instance, leaves can obscure road markings and make it difficult to see potholes, so it’s important to be extra cautious when driving over them.

If leaves have accumulated on the road, use caution as they can make surfaces slick. And be especially careful when driving around trucks that are hauling leaves as they can blow out onto the road and obscure your vision.

Before heading out, check for leaves on and around your vehicle. Remove any leaves that have gathered on your windshield as they can get stuck under your wipers and prevent them from working properly. Also, clear any leaves that have accumulated around your tailpipe because they can prevent your car from properly venting exhaust fumes.

Lastly, avoid parking over leaf piles. Starting your vehicle in this condition may start a fire in the catalytic converter or exhaust system.

Call an Attorney If an Accident Occurs

These tips can help to reduce your risk of a crash this fall, but accidents can still happen. While you can’t always prevent accidents from happening, you can be prepared in the event that one does occur.

If you’re involved in a car accident, the first thing you should do is call the police. Once they arrive, exchange insurance information with the other driver, and avoid admitting fault or placing blame.

Then, call an experienced personal injury accident lawyer. An attorney can help to protect your rights, navigate the insurance claims process, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. The team at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P is here for you, so if you have been injured in an accident, contact our New Brunswick or Freehold office today at (732) 394-1549 for a free case review.