Fall driving hazards cooler temperatures, colorful foliage, and changing road conditions to Philadelphia. While autumn can be a beautiful time to drive, it also creates several hazards that can increase the risk of a car accident. Wet leaves, fog, frost, reduced daylight, and increased deer activity can all make Philadelphia roads more challenging.
Understanding these seasonal hazards—and knowing what to do after a crash—can help drivers protect themselves and their passengers.
Fall Driving Hazards
Watch Out for Wet Leaves
Falling leaves are more than a cosmetic nuisance. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), wet leaves can be as slippery as ice and may cover lane markings and other pavement markings. Drivers should slow down and use extra caution when traveling on leaf-covered roads. Pennsylvania Government
When roads are slick, leave additional space between your vehicle and the car ahead. Avoid sudden braking, acceleration, or steering whenever possible.
Be Prepared for Fog and Reduced Visibility
Fog is another common fall hazard. Dense fog can significantly reduce visibility, making it harder to see vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and other obstacles.
PennDOT recommends using low-beam headlights in fog because high beams can create glare and make visibility worse. Pennsylvania law also requires drivers to use headlights when conditions such as fog or rain require windshield wipers. Pennsylvania Government
If visibility becomes extremely poor, consider pulling completely off the roadway and waiting for conditions to improve.
Don’t Ignore Sun Glare and Earlier Darkness
Fall also means changing sunrise and sunset conditions. Low-angle sunlight can create intense glare, particularly during morning and evening commutes. PennDOT recommends keeping sunglasses available, cleaning the inside of the windshield, and removing clutter from the sun visor that could interfere with visibility. Pennsylvania Government
As daylight decreases, drivers should also make sure their headlights, taillights, and turn signals are functioning properly.
Watch for Deer
Autumn is deer-breeding season, and deer activity increases during the fall. PennDOT advises drivers to be particularly alert around sunrise and sunset, when deer are often more active. If one deer crosses the road, drivers should remain alert because additional deer may follow. Pennsylvania Government
Slowing down and remaining attentive in areas marked for deer crossings can give drivers more time to react.
What to Do After a Philadelphia Car Accident
Even careful drivers can become involved in a crash because of another motorist’s actions or unexpected roadway conditions. If you are involved in an accident, prioritize safety first. If possible, move the vehicle out of active traffic lanes. If someone is injured or a vehicle cannot be driven, Pennsylvania guidance says the crash should be reported to police by calling 911. For more information on fall driving hazards, click here.
After addressing immediate safety concerns, document the accident if you can do so safely. Take photographs of the vehicles and surrounding roadway, exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, and identify potential witnesses. Keep records related to medical treatment, vehicle damage, and other expenses resulting from the accident.
If you were injured in a Philadelphia-area car accident, you may also want to discuss your situation with an experienced personal injury attorney. Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown and Sandler, also known as Rosenberg Law, represents clients in auto accident matters and lists a free consultation on its website. The firm’s auto-accident information includes a range of motor-vehicle cases, including collisions involving pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, trucks, and defective vehicles. plaintiff.com
Fall driving requires extra awareness, but preparation can help reduce risks. Slow down when conditions change, keep your vehicle properly maintained, and stay alert for hazards that are more common during autumn. If you are injured in a car accident in Philadelphia, contacting Rosenberg Law can provide an opportunity to discuss your circumstances and learn about your legal options.
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