Autumn Driving Hazards

Fall weather is officially upon us. This means falling leaves, chilling temperatures, and more rainstorms. Completing a quick review of autumn driving risks is a great idea each year to ensure that you’re prepared.

Distracted Drivers

New Jersey can put on a beautiful fall show. Many New Jersey drivers look forward to the beautiful seasonal changes. While they may be scenic, they can lead to an increase in distracted drivers. Some drivers may try to capture the changing leaves with a photograph. Others may drive slower to show other passengers the sights.

Slippery Roads

Falling leaves can make the roads slippery. They may also cover up bumps or potholes, which can lead to an accident if you hit them going fast enough. Fall weather in New Jersey can also be wet with a lot of rainfall. If the temperatures drop enough, the rain can quickly turn to freezing rain, making the roads even more slippery.

School Zones

Fall is back-to-school season, meaning the roads and walkways nearby schools can get pretty busy, especially right before and after school hours. Some schools may even have a lot of traffic as older teens drive to and from school or parents with younger children wait to drop off or pick up their children.

Earlier Nights

The closer we get to winter, the less daylight we experience. This means that by mid-November, your usual commuting time may be dark. Because it’s still brighter during the day, there may still be a lot of kids out walking or biking. This can lead to an increase in pedestrian accidents. It may be difficult for those same pedestrians to see vehicles once it gets dark, too.

Poor Visibility

Foggy conditions are also a possibility in New Jersey during the fall months. The weather can quickly change from night to morning, leading to large fog clouds. The biggest problem with fog is that it can come out of nowhere. Even drivers who are paying attention may find that it affects their visibility.

How to Stay Safe From Autumn Risks

While you may not be able to avoid all the risks that come with driving during the autumn season, you can take certain steps to stay safe. Stay safe this autumn with the following safety tips:

• Be aware of the risks – the first step to staying safe this fall is understanding the risks of the season. Reading this list is a good start!
• Put away your smartphone – Avoiding distractions is key to staying safe on the roads this autumn.
• Avoid intoxication – Drinking while driving reduces your reaction time, which can increase your risk of being in an accident.
• Assume pedestrians are everywhere – Even if it’s dark or foggy outside, always assume that there are pedestrians nearby. Slow your speed and look before going.

It can also be helpful to know what to do if you’re involved in an accident this autumn. Always receive medical care, and then reach out to a personal injury lawyer to discuss your options. Car and pedestrian accidents can be expensive, and the best way to receive the compensation you may need to cover these costs is to pursue legal action.

Contact an Edison Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A. represent clients injured because of a car accident in Edison, Woodbridge, Old Bridge, Piscataway, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 906-1500 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 1862 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820, as well as offices in Edison, Brick, Freehold, and Point Pleasant Beach, NJ.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.