Fall Driving Safety Tips 

Are you fall real? 

Autumn is upon us, which means the air is getting chillier, the evenings are getting darker earlier, and the drinks are getting warmer. Now is a great time to reassess your driving habits and prepare for a new season. The fall season brings unique challenges, and it is always important to be prepared for whatever comes your way. If you need legal representation after a motor vehicle accident or just fall driving safety tips, the car accident lawyers at Sierra Accident Lawyers are here to help. Give us a call at (909) 942-7632 for a free consultation. 

Navigating Common Fall Driving Hazards 

As autumn sets in, it brings a range of driving challenges. Wet leaves, unpredictable weather, and reduced daylight can make roads hazardous. Navigating these common fall hazards requires extra caution, as conditions can change rapidly. 

From slippery roads caused by rain or frost to increased wildlife activity like deer crossings, staying vigilant is key to staying safe this season. Drivers must adapt their habits, allow more travel time, and be mindful of these potential dangers: 

Daylight Savings Time Ends 

Spring forward and fall back. Daylight Savings Time ends, marking the return to standard time, typically in early November.

As we approach the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice, daylight hours will gradually decrease. Clocks will turn backward by one hour, giving an extra hour of sleep and leading to earlier sunsets.

This means your evening commute will be darker, so be cautious when driving or walking during peak hours, as visibility is reduced. Although only one-quarter of driving happens at night, half of all traffic accidents occur at night, according to the National Safety Council. 

Rainy or Foggy Conditions

Even in Southern California, fall weather conditions can bring rain, fog, and even snow in certain areas. Driving in rainy or foggy conditions can be dangerous, especially at high speeds where traffic lights and other vehicles cannot be easily seen. To avoid accidents, it is imperative that you adjust your speed, use your windshield wipers, and increase your following distance.

While high beams should never be used in rain or fog, low beams can reduce glare from oncoming traffic and increase maximum visibility. You can also use your fog lights if you have them.

Rain and snow can make roads slippery. To maintain control of your vehicle, avoid sudden movements and use gentle turns. Proper tire pressure also helps keep your vehicle from sliding in slippery conditions.

Sun Glare

If you’ve ever been driving and the sun is so intense that you had to pull over, then you understand how bad sun glare can be. Sun glare is particularly dangerous during the first half hour before sunrise and after sunset. 

To help avoid sun glare, wear sunglasses, keep your windshield clean inside and out, and use your visor to block direct sunlight and reduce glare. 

Wet Leaves 

You may not think falling leaves are a driving hazard but think again. Wet leaves can be just as slick as ice, meaning your car can skid if you drive too fast or make abrupt turns. 

Wet leaves can make the roads slippery and cover road markings and potholes, increasing the risk of accidents. It’s important to slow down, especially when roads are covered in leaves, and give yourself an extra stopping distance to avoid any potential hazards. 

Morning Frost 

If you park your car outside, you may return in the morning to find your windshield, rear window, and side windows covered in frost. Allow extra time to clear frost from your windows with an ice scraper or defroster. 

Roads can also be slick with ice, especially if overnight temperatures drop below freezing. Drive slowly and exercise caution when driving in frosty conditions, as black ice can be difficult to spot.

Wildlife

During fall, you’re more likely to see deer because it’s their mating season. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), drivers are 3.5 times more likely to hit a deer in fall than any other season.

When driving, especially on rural roads, slow down and watch for deer crossing the road, especially in areas with wildlife warnings and during dawn and dusk, when deer are most active. 

Pedestrian Safety During the Fall Season

Fall is the time when kids are back in school. When driving in school zones, you must be aware that the California speed limit is 25 mph when children are present. 

This season, expect more pedestrians to be out and about. When driving in pedestrian-heavy areas, drive very carefully and keep phones and other distractions away. 

School children can be more difficult to see in the fall season, so look for pedestrians in school zones and residential areas. Slow down and exercise caution when approaching crosswalks and intersections.

Avoid distractions while driving, such as phone use, to ensure you can react to pedestrians in time. 

Tips for Avoiding an Accident 

According to City Data, in 2021, there were 12 fatal accidents in Rancho Cucamonga. This does not include the hundreds of accidents that result in an injury. While some accidents are unavoidable due to weather or road conditions, many are caused by driver negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence. 

Here are tips for avoiding a car accident this fall: 

• Check the weather forecast before driving and plan your route accordingly.
• Leave early to account for potential delays due to weather or traffic.
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including a flashlight, first aid kit, and snacks.
• Consider taking a defensive driving course to improve your skills and stay safe on the road.

Rancho Cucamonga Personal Injury Law Firm

Car accidents can happen anywhere and anytime. If you were the victim of another driver’s negligence, you deserve to be financially compensated. Doing so on your own is possible, but with an experienced car accident lawyer, you have a much higher chance of success.

Sierra Accident Lawyers is an award-winning personal injury law firm in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. We have years of experience representing car, motorcycle, truck, pedestrian, bicycle, and rideshare accident victims. Our lawyers are relentless in their pursuit of justice. To learn how we can help you during this difficult time, call us for a free consultation.