North Carolina Driver Safety Tips From Raleigh’s Top Injury Attorneys
What To Look out for When Driving This Fall
Our Raleigh personal injury attorneys have seen how seasonal changes cause accidents, so we’re offering safety tips to help you hit the road safely this fall. As the leaves change color and fall to the ground, our attention to driving also fades. School is back in session, football season is in full swing, and the holidays are just around the corner. With so much going on, it’s easy to let our guard down when behind the wheel and miss certain hazards specific to the autumn season we need to be aware of. From wet leaves to decreased visibility, potential dangers wait around every corner. While we don’t advise always assuming the worst, drivers must remain vigilant of these hazards as seasons change.
We’ve put together a list of some of the most common autumn driving hazards and a list of pre-travel checks to help improve driver safety on North Carolina roads. Before you head out on your next road trip, read our driver safety tips for fall.
Fall Road Hazards
Fall is a beautiful time of year. It’s also a time when drivers need to be aware of some additional hazards on the road. As personal injury attorneys in Raleigh, we’ve seen a number of accidents that could have been avoided had drivers been more aware of their surroundings. Let our experiences be a lesson to help you stay safe this season. The following list includes dangers to look out for as you hit the road this fall.
Weather Events
Leaves are lovely to look at, but they can be hazardous for drivers. When leaves fall on the road, they can cause tires to lose traction. This is especially dangerous on wet roads. To avoid hydroplaning, slow down and allow extra space between you and the car in front of you.
Fall is also hurricane season. While North Carolina isn’t in the direct path of most hurricanes, we often see heavy rains and high winds from storms making their way up the coast. These weather events create dangerous driving conditions to consider when planning your route. Stay up to date on weather reports so you know what to expect before heading out.
Animal Hazards
Increased wildlife activity poses driving hazards specific to fall. As animals prepare for winter, they are more likely to be on the move. This means there’s an increased risk of hitting an animal while driving. If you see an animal on the road, brake slowly and give it time to move out of the way.
An important driver safety tip is to be especially cautious at dawn and dusk when visibility is low and animals are most active. If you can, avoid driving during these times, and if you must be on the road, slow down and be prepared to brake at a moment’s notice.
If you’re driving in an area with lots of trees or brush, keep your eyes peeled for animals that might be foraging or traveling alongside the road. Be particularly cautious when driving through wooded areas or around wetlands—these are hotspots for animal crossings.
Fall is also the migration season for many birds, which means they’ll be flying low in search of food. That makes them more likely to collide with vehicles, particularly during dawn and dusk when they’re hunting or moving to the next stop.
Road Conditions
Cooler fall weather can also lead to dangerous road conditions. Wet leaves can make roads slick, and snow and ice can make them even more treacherous. Be cautious when driving on wet or icy roads, and take your time if you need to brake or turn. It’s also a good idea to allow extra space between you and the car in front of you, in case they spin out or stop suddenly.
The end of daylight saving time can also mean more traffic on the roads in darker conditions. Commuters may have to adjust to driving in the dark again, which can lead to tiredness and decreased concentration. Be aware of other drivers around you, and give yourself extra time to get to your destination as you adjust to low-light conditions.
Increased Traffic
Autumn is a busy time of year as people try to squeeze in last-minute vacations before the cold weather sets in. This can lead to heavier-than-usual traffic, especially during rush hour. If you are working in an office and have the option to leave early, then do so, or wait until after rush hour to avoid being caught in a traffic jam. Rush hour is the time drivers are desperate to get home, and inclement weather can lead to dangerous conditions.
Pre-Driving Checks
While fall is a beautiful time of year, it also brings with it some challenges for drivers. In particular, the changing of seasons can make a significant impact on driving conditions. To help you stay safe on the roads this fall, we’ve put together a list of tips for driving in the autumn months:
Inspect Your Tires
One of the most important driver safety tips for fall is to check your tires. Colder temperatures cause tire pressure to drop, so it’s important to check your tires regularly and inflate them as needed to maintain their integrity and safety. You should also have your tires inspected by a professional at least once a year to ensure that they are in good condition.
Look over your tires for any nails, sharp rocks, or other objects that may have become lodged in the tread or sidewall. These can cause a tire to leak air or even burst. Check for any cracks, bulges, or other signs of damage that could indicate a problem. If you see any of these, take your car to a mechanic or tire shop and have them repair or replace your tires.
Also keep an eye on the tread depth of your tires. Tires typically have tread wear indicators, which are raised bars located in the deepest part of the tread grooves, to help you assess the condition of your tires. Also check the condition of your spare tire and make sure it is properly inflated.
Test Vehicle Headlights
Shorter days and longer nights mean that there will be less daylight, so it’s important to make sure that your headlights are in good working order. You might consider upgrading to brighter bulbs if your current bulbs are not providing sufficient light, or investing in a set of fog lights to help you see better in low-visibility conditions.
Review Blind Spots
Fall is a good time of year to check your car’s blind spots. As the trees shed their leaves, the landscape you’re used to looks different and may alter how you look for other cars, cyclists, and pedestrians. Take a few minutes every few weeks to clean off your side mirrors and check for blind spot activity before getting on the road.
Prepare To Drive Defensively
It’s always important to drive defensively, but this is especially true during the fall. With all drivers experiencing darker days, weather challenges, and poor visibility, commutes can be hazardous. Pay attention to other drivers around you and give yourself plenty of time to react if someone makes a mistake or if road conditions change suddenly.
If you’re in an accident despite your best defensive driving efforts, don’t hesitate to reach out to our personal injury attorneys in Raleigh. Our team of expert attorneys stands ready to defend you and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Injured in an Accident?
At Miller Law, our team of personal injury lawyers has decades of experience helping people who have been injured in all types of accidents—including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and more. No matter what type of accident you have been in, our personal injury attorneys in Raleigh are here and ready to help should you ever need us. Simply contact our team and let us know about your case and situation, and we will help guide you through the rest.
