It is the most dangerous time of the year to drive, even more dangerous in fact than winter. Not too many people realize it, but fall is the most dangerous season with a motorist’s risk of being involved in car accidents at its highest during these days.
Auto insurer Carfax recently announced that according to its data, it is autumn and not winter which is the deadliest season of the year for drivers. In fact, according to the data, more than 72% of Americans live in states like Georgia where fall is the deadliest season of the year with the highest number of auto accidents recorded.
There are a number of reasons why the risk of car accidents is greater during fall season compared to other times of the year. The days are shorter which means fewer daylight hours and greater volumes of driving in the dark when the risks of being involved in an auto accident are at their highest. Only 25% of all travel in the United States occurs during night time, but night time accounts for the same number of accidents every year as day time. Another factor contributing to the higher risk of car accidents during autumn is deer. More than 50% of all auto accidents involving deer in the United States occur between October and December. Mating season kicks off during this time, and you will find larger numbers of deer along busy roads. A third important reason for the high number of car accidents during fall season is the slippery and wet road surfaces. Roads may be slick because of wet leaves that fall down during storms, and these provide ideal conditions for an auto accident.
Avoid becoming a car accident statistic this autumn by following a few simple steps. Safe speed is key to staying safe on the road during the season. Stay within safe speed limits, and ensure that you leave plenty of distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. Look out for deer on routes that see high populations of these animals such as rural areas and forest areas. Make sure that your car is in peak condition. Check your tires regularly. The sudden dips in temperatures can lead to loss of air. Be especially careful when you travel on roads that are covered with wet leaves. These may look harmless, but can be very slippery. Wet leaves can also conceal possible dangers like potholes and road bumps. You might find yourself staring into glare from the sun in the morning. Wear sun shades to protect your eyes from the glare and maintain optimum visibility.
The Atlanta car accident attorneys at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to the representation of persons who have suffered injuries in car accidents in the metro Atlanta region and across the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a car accident, talk to a lawyer at our firm and discuss your options for a legal claim for damages. Talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your case. Initial consultations are free.