Posted on Wednesday, December 1st, 2021 at 6:07 pm
When the summer ends and the fall begins, drivers can encounter a range of hazards and dangerous situations that increase the risk of an accident. Autumn creates various challenges that motorists might never experience during the warm summer months. Although you might think winter is the worst time of year for driving because of sleet, ice, and snow, the fall can be just as dangerous.
Operating a motor vehicle requires focus. Most people know how to stay safe on the road and avoid placing others in harm’s way. However, autumn is a time of year when hidden dangers can present themselves and lead to a collision.
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Below are tips you should follow to prevent a car accident this fall.
Perform Routine Maintenance
You likely visit your doctor for checkups, go to your dentist for teeth cleanings, and attend additional appointments to keep yourself healthy. Keeping your car healthy is important too. You should bring your vehicle in for maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.
Your car contains various parts and systems that need to work correctly. Without adequate maintenance, damage, natural wear, and tear, and other issues can arise and cause your car to malfunction. Maintaining these parts can ensure everything is in good working condition, so you don’t lose control of your vehicle and end up in an accident.
Adjust Your Speed for Dangerous Conditions
Alabama winters are relatively mild compared to other states. Although snow is rare, some parts of the state could receive a slight dusting of snow. You likely won’t encounter icy conditions but could find yourself driving in heavy rain, strong winds, or thunderstorms.
If it’s raining heavily, it’s crucial to slow down. Speeding could cause your car to hydroplane. Wet roads can also cause your vehicle to skid, preventing you from having complete control. Strong winds can blow your car all over the road, but you can maintain control if you’re driving slowly.
Dangerous conditions include more than just bad weather. Defective roadways can also lead to accidents if you’re not careful. Potholes, tree branches, and other hazards create obstacles you must maneuver around. If you’re driving too fast, you likely won’t have enough time to swerve out of the way.
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Focus on Your Surroundings
When people return from summer vacation and kids go back to school, more vehicles are on the road than usual. Driving in heavy traffic means you’re likely to pass someone reckless.
Distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and other reckless behavior can lead to accidents. If you’re traveling near an inattentive or careless driver, you could end up in a crash. Pay attention to everyone around you so you can brake or swerve when necessary.
Proceed with Caution Near Schools
The return of autumn brings the return of children to school. You might see school buses on your way to work in the morning or while running errands in the afternoon. Drive carefully when you’re around a bus. Bus drivers make frequent stops to pick up kids on their routes. If you see them turn on their flashing lights, you should stop and let kids cross the street.
Anytime you enter a school zone, slow down and proceed with caution. Look for children at crosswalks and yield to them when necessary. If you become distracted even for a split second, you could collide with a child already in the middle of the street. Contact us today.
Turn on Your Headlights
You should turn on your headlights whenever you drive at night. It’s more challenging to see the cars around you or hazards on the road while driving in the dark.
Daylight Saving Time ends in the fall. That means everyone turns their clocks back, and the sun sets earlier than usual. Most people take a while to adjust to the time change. Driving at night can be tough, especially when you’re not used to it.
Every time you get in your vehicle at night, make a habit of turning on your headlights. It should be an automatic action like putting on your seatbelt. You might think driving a couple of miles in a suburban area without your headlights isn’t a big deal. However, a range of obstacles could get in your way, and if you can’t see them, you will hit them with your car.
Injured in a Car Accident? Call Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP Today
At Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP, our Alabama car accident lawyers have more than 20 years of experience representing accident victims in their cases. We can help you hold the at-fault driver liable and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
If you suffered injuries in a car crash due to someone else’s negligence, do not hesitate to call Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP at (205) 324-1212 for your free consultation.
