As summer ends, drivers must remember to stay cautious while behind the wheel to prevent accidents and injuries. Unfortunately, many drivers let their guards down while navigating during seasonal transitions. Autumn weather poses its own set of challenges for drivers. With heavy downpours, leaves on the road, foggy conditions, school back in session, and inexperienced drivers, it’s crucial for drivers to be aware of potential driving hazards to keep everyone on the road, including themselves, safe. If you are injured in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact our dedicated Westchester County Car Accident Attorneys, who can help you seek fair compensation to get back on your feet again. 

What autumn driving hazards should I be aware of?

During this time of the year, it is likely that you will encounter chilly mornings that bring fog. In foggy conditions, it is imperative that drivers set their headlights low and use low-beam headlights to improve visibility. Fog can diminish a driver’s ability to see the roadway. As such, drivers must allow extra time for stopping, meaning they must keep a safe distance between the cars in front of them when driving in foggy conditions to prevent a collision.

Alongside the fog, autumn also brings heavy rain. Unfortunately, the weather can be highly unpredictable during this season. Before you know it, a sunny day can turn into a rainy one in a matter of minutes. When embarking on a road trip of long distances, drivers must check the weather forecast to be ready to take the necessary precautions while operating in such conditions. Heavy rain can cause slippery pavement, increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning. Also, leaves that accumulate on the road can lead to hydroplaning as they can become slippery, posing a risk of losing control of the vehicle.

Leaves that have accumulated on the roadways can also obscure potholes, uneven surfaces, and other potential roadway hazards that may be present. As such, drivers may be unable to detect these potential hazards, resulting in devastating consequences. Leaves can also impair a driver’s vision as they can cover your windshield and get stuck under your windshield wipers. Before getting on the road, removing any leaves from your windshield is vital to ensure your visibility is not compromised.

Are school kids a potential hazard?

Students are one of the most common autumn driving hazards. With school back in session during autumn, drivers must be cautious and remain attentive while passing through school zones. Drivers must watch out for school kids darting onto the roadway unexpectedly, school buses frequently stopping to let kids on and off, and inexperienced student drivers leaving school parking lots. School being back in session will increase traffic. Therefore, drivers must prepared for lots of crosswalks and bus stops. Ultimately, it is imperative to be vigilant when navigating school zones, as drivers may find themselves in unexpected situations that can result in devastating accidents and injuries.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact a talented attorney from the legal team at Hausman & Pendzick, who can help you responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Our firm is prepared to work tirelessly to help you attain the maximum compensation you may be entitled to.