Dangers of Autumn Driving

Author: Auger Law | November 9th, 2017

The weather can change in a moment’s notice any time of year, but especially in the fall. A sunny morning can turn into a rainy and freezing afternoon. Now that we are nearing winter, our days are getting shorter which means dark is upon us sooner. You may very well find yourself going to work before the sun comes up and coming home after it goes down.

Because the weather in the fall can be unpredictable, it brings with it driving challenges that may not occur in other seasons. When you know what these challenges are, you are better prepared to deal with them.

1. Rain

Most of the country had a fairly dry summer, save for the hurricanes that hit hard. When a fall rain shower hits after weeks of dry weather, the roads can be particularly treacherous because the rain tends to pool and stand rather than run off. Know that when you are driving during or after a rain storm in the fall, the roads may be especially slippery.

2. Fallen Leaves

The changing colors of the leaves are beautiful, but they don’t make for pretty driving. As leaves fall and coat the roads, they can obscure pavement markings, hide potholes, and make the roadway slippery. Be extra cautious on roads that are covered with fall foliage.

On that same token, stay aware of people driving around you who may be moving slowly. Thousands of people head out on the roads, especially on weekends, to look at the leaves and trees. These people may be paying more attention to the scenery than their driving. Stay aware when you come upon a driver who seems to be taking it all in rather than keeping their eyes on the road ahead.

3. Fog

We’ve all driven through fog at least once in our lives, but cold fall mornings can lead to more fog than we are used to. If you encounter fog, don’t make the common mistake of turning on your high beams. It actually makes your visibility worse. When driving through fog, the best thing to do is to slow down and stay far behind any cars that are in front of you.

4. Frosty Roads

We expect the roads to be covered with ice in the winter, but we don’t always assume the same in the fall. The truth of the matter is that fall weather brings with it cold nights. This can lead to frost covering the roads in the early morning hours, making them as slippery as an ice rink. Pay attention to local weather reports and be prepared to give yourself extra time on the roads if there is a frost advisory.

If you are involved in an accident during the fall or any other time of year, our experienced team of auto accident attorneys in Charlotte and throughout the Carolinas are here for you. Reach out to our office today to schedule your appointment for a free case evaluation. Let us advise you of your legal rights and assist you in making the best decisions for your situation.