Every season brings with it driving challenges and dangers, and certainly the fall is no exception. With an increase in school traffic and the weather changing, motorists need to be aware of the potential hazards to avoid a car accident.
The Driving Perils Associated with Fall
With winter on the horizon, there are a plethora of reasons that the autumn season can be just as deadly as maneuvering a vehicle in snow or ice.
Potential autumn driving hazards include slippery roads caused by frost or leaves that gather on the road and make conditions slick. When asphalt is wet, conditions vary from normal car breaking stoppage in dry weather.
For example, on a dry road driving 40 mph results in stopping distance of 80 feet; with wet leaves in play, that distance to stop increases to 250 feet.
In addition to making roads slick, frost can create blind spots on cars if not cleared off.
Mornings create sun glare that could make it difficult to drive efficiently. Autumn also creates foggy conditions that reduce driving visibility and headlight efficiency.
With school starting back up, morning and afternoon traffic is more congested, and drivers need to be mindful of maneuvering their vehicles around school zones.
Deer are also more active in the fall season, with migration patterns bringing in more animals wandering onto the roadways. Motorists must be especially watchful for deer at dawn and dusk.
The autumn season also brings with it shorter days that can limit your visibility and bad weather as opposed to the long days in the summer.
Safety Driving Tips
- Have sunglasses or a visor on hand to deal with the sunrise and sunset that can impair your driving.
- As the weather changes, so does the inflation in your car’s tires. Checking your tire pressure helps with your car’s traction on the road.
- Avoid driving in treacherous weather, if possible.
- Use your dimmed headlights in bad weather with diminished visibility. High beams do not work well in fog.
- Conduct a safety check on your vehicle before driving, including tires, fluids, headlight signals, and other items, to make sure it is in optimal condition.
- Slow down to allow for plenty of time, and space, to brake.
- Avoid driving distractions, including eating, adjusting clothing, and using your phone.
Washington DC Car Accident Statistics
The area has already seen a surge in car accident deaths compared with last year in the area, with the Metropolitan Police Department having already recorded 37 traffic-related fatalities in 2021.
In 2020, Washington, DC was tied for the largest increase in roadway deaths with a 33 percent spike, which accounted for nine more fatalities than in 2019.
In 2019, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported 22 fatal accidents that resulted in 23 deaths in the District of Columbia.
Washington DC Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Advocate for Clients Hurt in Autumn Car Accidents
If you have been hurt due to an autumn car accident, the Washington DC car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can help you work on putting your life back on track. We will fight for your right to receive full and fair money compensation for your injuries and put your mind at peace. Call us at 202-331-1963 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Washington, DC, we work with car accident victims in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, and Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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