As fall advances, it brings extra risks for road users. Unfortunately, not everyone will account for them, and a driver stuck in summer mode could cause you injuries in a crash.
What makes the change from summer to fall so hazardous? Here are four things:
Reduced light
Driving in daylight is safer as it is easier to see and be seen. The daylight hours are highest during the summer and lowest in winter.
The change of clocks exacerbates it to some degree. One day you are driving home from work in the light at 6 pm, then the next, you must drive home in the dark, as 6 pm has the same amount of light as 7 pm the day before.
Worsening weather
Driving is simpler when the roads are dry, and the sky is clear. Rain, mist, sleet and snow can all make it more difficult. So can the piles of leaves that fall onto the road creating slippery conditions that increase braking distance.
Reduced in-car visibility
People pile on clothes to stay warm on cold days. When cocooned in hats and scarves, it becomes harder to see the vehicles around you. The windows are also more likely to steam up or be obscured by ice.
Animals on the road
Deer wander further to feed and mate in fall. Drivers who do not slow down in deer-prone areas may hit one or hit another vehicle as they swerve to avoid an animal.
Seasonal changes are nothing new. It happens every year. Drivers should be able to adjust for this, but not all do. If another driver injures you in a crash, seek legal help to claim compensation.
