Although autumn can lull drivers into inattentiveness because snow and ice are often considered hazardous driving conditions, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can let your guard down during seasonal changes. Each season presents driving hazards that drivers must be aware of. The fall is no exception, as drivers must remain vigilant while behind the wheel while traveling on the roadway during this year to prevent accidents and injuries. If you’ve been injured in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, it is in your best interest to contact a talented New York City Car Accident Attorney who can help you fight to recover the maximum compensation you may be entitled to. Please continue reading to learn about the most common autumn driving hazards in New York.
What are the most common autumn driving hazards in New York?
As the summer turns into autumn, drivers must be aware of various hazards on the road to prevent accidents and injuries. For parents, this season means their children are back in school. When driving in a school zone, it’s crucial to be mindful of students, one of the most common hazards during this time of the year. They may walk to school or home without paying attention to traffic, as they may be easily distracted. Therefore, drivers must take the necessary precautions, such as traveling slower in school zones and remaining vigilant, to account for this.
In addition to increased foot traffic in school zones, the fall season is often associated with heavy rainfall, fog, and leaves on the ground. When there is fog, it can diminish your ability to see what is in front of you. As such, you will likely set your high beams to see around you. However, this can contribute to impairing your vision. To prevent this, keep your high beams low and aim them downward on the roadway to ensure the light is not reflected back to you. You should also maintain a substantial distance between you and the vehicle in front of you when driving in foggy conditions to ensure enough time to react to potential hazards.
Moreover, leaves accumulate on the road and conceal hazardous road conditions like potholes and uneven surfaces. Leaves are one of the most significant driving hazards drivers face. When leaves become wet on the roadway, it can make the surface extremely slippery, similar to driving on ice, increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning. The risk of hydroplaning is also increased during this time of the year because of heavy rainfall and standing water. If you encounter heavy downpours, you should refrain from using cruise control to prevent losing control of your vehicle. If you encounter standing water, you should only cross it if it is incredibly shallow.
If you were hurt in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, contact a determined attorney from Sweling Law, who can help you fight for maximum compensation for the damages you’ve incurred. With years of experience, you can trust our legal team to assist in gathering evidence that proves the other driver’s negligence, whether they failed to slow down in a school zone or failed to put their high beams on during foggy weather conditions. Allow our firm to represent your interests today.
