While fall is a great time to take in a color tour, it can be a horrible season for driving conditions in Southern California. Many hazards could lead to an accident and liability claim. The shorter daylight hours and increased potential for foul weather are two of the most common factors in a fall-time accident. The following are some of the more commonly encountered driving hazards during autumn that might lead to a mishap and liability claim.
Newer drivers and extended darkness cause many accidents
A lot of first-time drivers get their first taste of driving during the fall when they can start driving to and from school. School zones in particular are especially prone to accidents involving very young drivers. Inexperienced drivers and those who have trouble seeing well while driving at night are more likely to get in auto accidents during the fall. The narrower the roads, the more they wind and the wetter they might get during fall.
Deer and other animals are more active
Deer crossings increase during fall, especially when hunting season is on and deer are readying for a long winter. Many other animals are readying for wintertime hibernation and often more active at night. The increased activity makes an accident with a deer or other animal 3.5 times more likely in November, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This greater threat lasts well into the winter.
Wet leaves and early freezes enhance driving dangers
Fall means leaves on the roadways that can get damp and make turns tougher to handle. A lot of roadways also become damp or rain-soaked and then freeze up when the temperature drops at night. That is especially true when driving at higher elevations where the climate is more volatile and the temperatures can get especially cold quickly. If you’ve been hurt by a motorist who didn’t take the fall hazards seriously, a personal injury attorney could help to hold liable parties responsible and deal with unfriendly insurance adjusters.
