Factors Leading to Accidents in the Fall
The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is consistently the most dangerous time to be on the road, often dubbed the “100 deadliest days,” with auto accident rates significantly higher than any other time of year. If you were trying to guess the second-most-dangerous season, you might think winter would come in a close second after summer, but that’s not the case. Statistically, fall poses a greater risk of a motor vehicle accident than winter or spring. Here are some reasons why:
- Unpredictable weather patterns—Fall offers the potential for more unexpected weather patterns than any other season. Heavy rainfall is common in some parts of Texas in autumn, but there’s also a substantial risk of fog as nighttime temperatures drop significantly. The decreased visibility caused by fog is a common cause of fall accidents in Texas and across the country.
- Heavy traffic, particularly near schools—With school back in session, there’s more congestion on the roads in the early morning and afternoons during the fall. Statistics show that the number of traffic accidents depends, to a significant extent, on the number of cars on the road.
- Glare from the sun—Glare can be most oppressive when driving directly into the morning sun. Sun glare can be serious, temporarily blinding you so that you can’t see traffic signs, lights, or patterns.
- Leaves on the roadway—As the season turns, and the oak, maple, birch, and dogwood trees start to drop their leaves, they can make roads slippery. In addition, the accumulation of leaves can mask other dangers, including potholes, curbs, or gravel on the road.
- Hunting season—Fall is a time of great movement for deer, particularly in the early morning.
Steps to Reduce the Risk of an Accident This Fall
Though you can’t ensure your safety on the roads, there are things you can do to minimize the potential for an accident:
- Pay attention to weather forecasts—Review the weather forecast before you leave the house, so you can either give yourself extra time or make the decision to stay home, if necessary.
- Get a head start—If you know you’re going to be driving when traffic is heavy, start earlier, so you can drive more carefully and still get there on time.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife—Particularly when traveling through wooded areas, you need to give yourself as much time to respond as possible.
- Minimize the impact of sun glare—Get a really good pair of sunglasses. See if you can map out an alternative route that reduces your exposure to direct sunlight.
Contact the Experienced Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we understand the impact that a personal injury can have on every area of your life. For more than four decades, we’ve aggressively fought to protect the rights of personal injury victims across Texas, including people injured in motor vehicle accidents. Over the past 40+ years, we have collected hundreds of millions of dollars in judgments and settlements for injured people throughout the Lone Star State and across the nation. We will be your advocate throughout the legal process, from the investigation of your accident and filing of a complaint through trial, if necessary, or other final resolution of your lawsuit. Contact us by e-mail or call our offices at one of the convenient locations listed below. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
