Common Fall Driving Hazards

October 5, 2020

Many people think of autumn as a beautiful and relaxing time of year for drivers, but that is simply not the case. The fall season brings about a variety of driving hazards that can cause injury or damage if drivers are not paying attention to the road.

At Freedom Collision Center, we have put together a list of some of the most common fall driving hazards to keep an eye out for:

Darkness

After Daylight Savings Time ends, many people will find themselves driving in the dark more often. When driving in the dark, your depth perception, peripheral vision, and color recognition are compromised. You can also be temporarily blinded the glare from the headlights of oncoming drivers.

According to the Nation Safety Council, only 25% of driving is done at night, but 50% of traffic deaths occur at night.

Leaves

The beautiful colors of fall leaves are a favorite of many people, but with the changing colors come the hazards of fallen leaves. Piles of fallen leaves can cause a variety of issues for drivers.

Large piles of leaves can conceal potholes, cause bicyclists to veer out of their designated lane, hide pavement markings, and can become slick on the road after the rain. They can also create puddles by blocking drainage and can cause drivers to park farther away from the curb to accommodate the larger leaf piles.

You also need to watch out for those who are sightseeing the changing leaves. Some areas are popular for tourists, so be careful of tourists and even locals who may slow down to take in the beauty of the fall colors to avoid an accident.

Children

While you may be used to the back to school traffic, children and young adults may not be. With new student drivers out on the road, it is important to be cautious in school zones as they are picking up friends or siblings and leaving the premises. Be sure to also keep an eye out for children who are walking home.

Be sure to obey all traffic laws associated with school zones and school buses. If a school bus us stopped with its red flashers on and the Stop arm extended, you are required to stop as well.

Animals

According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, drivers are 3.5 times more likely to hit an animal, especially a deer, in the month of November, compared to any other time of the year. November is a common time for deer to be mating, so you will see more of them during this time.

Need Auto Body Repair Due to a Fall Hazard?

At Freedom Collision Center, we serve as your top choice for auto body repair in Morgantown. With an experienced team, skilled in the latest techniques and technologies, we can have your vehicle looking its best in no time! Contact us today to learn more about our auto body repair services!

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