Fall Vehicle Safety Tips: Stay Safe on the Road with Zaber Law
As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to fall, driving conditions can change rapidly. Fall is a beautiful season, but it also brings unique challenges for drivers.
At Zaber Law, we care about your safety on the road, and we’ve put together some easy-to-understand fall vehicle safety tips to help you stay safe while driving. Whether it’s wet leaves or shorter daylight hours, being prepared can make all the difference in avoiding accidents.
1. Watch Out for Wet Leaves
Fallen leaves can create slippery conditions, especially when they’re wet. Driving over wet leaves is similar to driving on ice; they reduce your tire’s grip on the road, making it harder to stop or control your vehicle. Wet leaves can also hide road hazards like potholes.
Example: If you’re driving through a neighborhood where trees have dropped a lot of leaves, slow down and avoid hard braking or sharp turns, as your car might skid.
2. Check Your Tires
Good tire tread is essential for safe driving, especially when roads are slick with rain or leaves. Make sure your tires have enough tread and are properly inflated to give you the best traction.
Tip: To check your tire tread, try the penny test. Insert a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time to replace your tires.
3. Be Prepared for Shorter Days
As fall progresses, the days get shorter, which means you’ll be driving in the dark more often. It’s important to ensure your headlights and taillights are working properly to improve visibility for both you and other drivers. Clean off any dirt or debris from your headlights to make sure they’re shining bright.
Example: If you drive home from work in the evening, turn on your headlights earlier in the day, especially when it’s cloudy or rainy. It helps other drivers see you and reduces the chances of an accident.
4. Beware of Sun Glare
The angle of the sun changes in the fall, often causing glare during sunrise and sunset. Sun glare can temporarily blind you, making it harder to see other cars, pedestrians, or road signs.
Tip: Keep a pair of sunglasses in your car to help reduce sun glare, and keep your windshield clean to minimize streaks that can make glare worse.
5. Look Out for Wildlife
Fall is the peak season for wildlife activity, particularly deer. Animals are more likely to cross roads during dusk and dawn, and hitting a large animal like a deer can cause serious damage to your car and put you at risk for injury.
Example: If you’re driving in a rural or wooded area, be extra cautious and slow down, especially around curves. Use your high beams when possible to spot animals earlier and reduce your chances of hitting them.
6. Maintain Your Windshield Wipers
With fall comes increased rain, and clear visibility is crucial during a downpour. If your windshield wipers are old or streaking, replace them. You want your wipers to fully clear your windshield to ensure you have the best view of the road.
Tip: Test your windshield wipers by spraying washer fluid on your windshield. If they leave streaks or miss spots, it’s time to get new ones.
7. Avoid Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is always dangerous, but in the fall, when road conditions can change quickly due to weather or leaves, it’s even more important to stay focused. Put down your phone, avoid eating while driving, and keep your attention on the road.
Example: If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over to a safe spot instead of trying to multitask while driving. Staying focused can prevent accidents.
8. Plan for Weather Changes
Fall weather can be unpredictable. One minute it’s sunny, and the next, it’s raining or foggy. Prepare for sudden changes by checking the weather forecast before you hit the road and making sure your vehicle is ready for anything.
Tip: Keep an emergency kit in your car with essentials like a blanket, flashlight, first aid supplies, and a scraper in case of frost.
Why Fall Safety Matters
Fall accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and even low-speed collisions can result in personal injury. Whiplash, neck injuries, and back injuries are common in these types of accidents. At Zaber Law, we handle car accident cases involving everything from minor fender-benders to more serious collisions. We’re here to guide you through the process if you’re injured in an accident, and we’ll make sure you understand your legal rights.
Final Thoughts
By following these simple fall vehicle safety tips, you can reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. But if the unexpected happens and you find yourself injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Zaber Law. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.
Stay safe this fall, and remember, we’re just a call away if you need us!
