Fall is a wonderful time to take road trips and enjoy the beautiful colors that come with the changing seasons. If you are planning on driving at all during the fall months, make sure that you are prepared for the unique hazards that come in this season.
Wildlife is one specific threat that you face. You are 3.5 times more likely to hit wildlife in November. One of the primary species you might encounter is deer. Around one driver out of every 100 will hit a deer during the course of that driver’s life.
School buses are another hazard on the road. These vehicles stop frequently, so you have to be prepared to stop if you behind one or driving near one since you shouldn’t ever pass a stopped school bus that has the stop arm extended.
Teen drivers are likely to be on the road during the fall months. While crashes involving teen drivers peak in September, it is worth remembering that these drivers are still new and inexperienced so you should use caution around them.
The wet weather of the season is another hazard that you should be vigilant about this fall. Even though you might feel like your tires can keep traction on leaves, there is a chance that these will be slick. Oil and grime on the roadway can also pose special problems during the rainy season. This is especially true when it first starts raining because those slick substances are spreading on the road.
Other drivers are also a risk for you on the road. You can control your actions, but not theirs. If you are injured by another driver, you might choose to seek compensation from that driver.
Source: AARP, “Fall Driving Safety Tips Autumn is fraught with driving hazards, so know the risks and prepare,” James R. Healey, accessed Oct. 31, 2017