When driving during the fall, you may be enamored by the beautiful scenery of the changing leaves. However, with the start of football season and pumpkin-flavored drinks comes dangers for drivers. As such, it’s essential to be aware of the most common fall driving hazards and how motor vehicle accident attorneys can assist if injured in a collision. The following blog explores what you should know about these circumstances.
What fall driving hazards should I be aware of?
One of the most important things all drivers must be aware of is school zones. Not only are there children or those who bike to school who may wander out into traffic, but many teenagers receive their driver’s licenses over the summer. As such, these inexperienced drivers are likely looking forward to driving to school, which can lead to collisions if they are not careful or used to driving in school zones. Be sure to travel slowly and remain vigilant to crosswalks and sidestreets when passing through school zones.
Another hazard you should be on the lookout for is piles of leaves. While the changing colors are a thing of beauty, when the leaves fall and stick to the road, they can cause damage. Not only does the accumulation of leaves by curbs mean that motorists will park further into the roadway, but when fallen foliage in the road becomes wet due to rain, it can cause slick roadways. As such, this can make it hard for your tires to gain traction, leading to injuries. If driving through an area with many wet leaves on the roadway, slow down and carefully navigate these areas.
Finally, with the fall comes moody weather. While it may be sunshine and clear skies in the morning, it could be foggy and raining in the afternoon. Preparing for all types of weather can help you avoid accidents. Be sure to keep a pair of sunglasses in your car to avoid glare and increase visibility when driving in the sunshine, and slow down when driving through foggy or rainy conditions. Not only can this help prevent hydroplaning, but flooded roadways as shallow as an inch and a half can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle.
What should I do if I’m involved in an accident caused by one of these hazards?
If you are involved in an accident because a negligent driver failed to take precautions to reduce the risk of injury associated with these hazards, knowing how to proceed is vital. You’ll want to ensure you file a police report to document the collision and ensure you seek medical treatment for the injuries you’ve sustained.
It’s also in your best interest to enlist the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney to help you navigate these complex legal matters. The dedicated team at Friedman Schuman is ready to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to to help you navigate any complications that may arise with your circumstances. Contact our firm today to learn how we can assist you.
