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How Can I Drive Safely in the Fall?

Delaware Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Represent Clients Who Have Been in Fall-Related Collisions.

Have you ever taken a long drive in the country just to see the leaves turn color in the fall? It can be a great daytrip experience. However, it is important to realize that weather changes mean changed road conditions. Knowing what to expect and preparing for the fall can help you prevent a car accident.

Avoid Sun Glare

It may seem strange, but sun glare is worse in the fall than summer. The reason is due to the angle of the sun. It is lower in the sky during the fall, and when it hits a surface, it reflects at a lower angle. The effect is most dramatic during dusk and dawn which is close to commute times when roads are busy.

If the sun is facing you, then you are temporarily blinded by the light, and your ability to see the road and cars in front of you is compromised. Similarly, if the setting sun is behind you, the rearview mirror can bounce that glare into your eyes.

Be sure to have some good sunglasses to address glare, your windshield is clean and free of cracks, and your visors are in working order.

Prepare for Inclement Weather

Storms are common in the fall in the northeast. Rain will reduce visibility, can inhibit stopping ability, and can cause hydroplaning. To avoid problems, be sure the windshield wipers work and there is ample wiper solution.

Storms can also cause fog. It is important not to use high-beams in the fog because they reduce visibility.

Honor weather warnings about flash floods. Never drive into puddles of unknown depth. Cars have been known to be carried off the road if it is covered in more than a few inches of water.

Watch Out for Wildlife

Deer are prevalent in many parts of the country. When fall comes, certain factors make it more likely that deer will appear on roadways they normally do not approach. Farmers harvesting the last crop, hunters out in the woods, and mating are all reasons for deer to migrate.

If a deer ends up on a road, it will be startled and may bolt off in an unpredictable path or be frozen in place by shock. Be aware of this erratic behavior and prepared to have to brake quickly to avoid a collision.

Practice Good Driving Habits

Safe driving relies on drivers honoring restrictions and buckling up. Drivers should also be:

  • Wide awake and not tired or drowsy.
  • Clear-headed and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Focused on the road and not distracted by food, drink, passengers, or cellphones.

Speed limits are set to minimize the risk of a collision or driving off the road. Signs such as stop, yield, and the like provide instructions for how to navigate intersections or ramps safely. Always wear a seat belt, and request passengers to do the same.

Another important strategy to avoid getting into a car accident is driving defensively. This means being aware of and anticipating potential roadway hazards and having strategies in mind for how to deal with problems that may arise.

The most fundamental point in defensive driving is to give yourself time to respond. This means no tailgating, keeping a safe distance from the car ahead of you, and pausing before proceeding at an intersection.

Delaware Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Represent Clients Who Have Been in Fall-Related Collisions

One of our experienced Delaware car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC can give you legal advice after an autumn-related accident. Call us at 302-888-1221 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Wilmington, Delaware, we serve clients in Dover, Newark, and Middletown.