Fall Driving Dangers Explained
When summer turns into fall and the days get shorter, driving can be compromised by the adjustment to darkness and fatigue, according to the National Safety Council. Night driving can be dangerous due to reduced visibility, the glare from other headlights, increased driver fatigue, and a higher prevalence of impaired drivers on the road. There is also an increase in wildlife activity at night, and the challenges of judging distances in the dark. These all contribute to an increased risk of car accidents at night.
Here are tips that can help combat these night-time driving dangers.
- Aim your headlights correctly and make sure they are clean;
- Dim your dashboard;
- Look away from oncoming lights;
- Clean the windshield to eliminate streaks; and
- Slow down to compensate for limited visibility and reduced stopping time.
Fatigue and lack of sleep can also be an issue when someone gets behind the wheel. Here are fatigue prevention tips from the National Sleep Foundation that will help ensure safe driving:
- Get at least seven hours of sleep a night.
- Don’t drive if you’ve been awake for 16 hours or more.
- Stop every two hours to rest.
- Pull over and take a nap if you’re drowsy.
- Travel during times you are normally awake.
Heavy rains can occur at any time of the day in South Florida, particularly during the late summer and early fall. It is important that drivers remember that the first 10 minutes of rainfall, particularly after a dry spell, is the most dangerous. This is the time when motor oil and grease accumulate on the road, creating a slick and treacherous driving surface.
Road Conditions Change in the Rain
- Wet roads create a thin film between your tires and the asphalt. Reduced traction means it takes longer to brake, so drivers must leave more distance between their vehicle and the one in front.
- Hydroplaning can occur when a thin layer of water lifts tires off the road, causing a loss of control.
- Rain and fog make it difficult to see the road, other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles ahead.
- We have a lot of humidity in South Florida, and the temperatures change rapidly during a storm, which can cause windows to fog reducing visibility.
- Rain often creates darker conditions, making it harder to see.
- Water covering the road can make lane markings and other signs hard to distinguish.
- Heavy rain can lead to standing water and flooding, submerging entire lanes and blocking roadways.
- Potholes and other obstacles can become submerged in water, going unnoticed until a vehicle hits them.
What to Do if You’ve Been in a Weather-Related Car Accident
Being in a car accident can be scary and overwhelming. If anyone is injured, call 911 for help immediately. Next, gather as much information as possible at the scene. This will help when dealing with the insurance company. Make sure to take photos and videos of the accident scene, the weather conditions, damage to your car, and any visible injuries. Collect the insurance information of any other drivers involved in the accident.
Florida auto accident victims have only 14 days to seek initial medical attention to receive insurance benefits after an accident, so it is important to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible following the accident.
The attorneys at Aronfeld Trial Lawyers understand Florida’s complex personal injury laws. Since 1991 we have fought hard to protect the legal rights of the injured and their families- and hold auto insurers like State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, GEICO and others accountable for the pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages suffered by our clients. Contact us today and speak with an experienced Miami auto accident attorney toll free 1-866-597-4529, local305-441-0440, or by email.