Fall has arrived in Connecticut, and with it comes different habits and driving hazards you don’t encounter during warmer weather. Here are a few reminders to keep you safer when on the road.
Changing conditions require special attention
Even though drivers encounter them annually, the changing conditions that fall brings can lead to increased motor vehicle accidents. Students returning to school are a prime example. You may know them, but they may not think about darting out from cars into the street, especially if they are younger. Animals can also dart out in front of your vehicle, especially in the early morning or night. Extended hours of darkness can also lead to reduced visibility, factoring into mishaps.
Road conditions are another concern. Many areas of the country remain unusually dry during the summer, but fall increases rain, leading to slick roads. Trees shedding their leaves can contribute to the slickness, making stopping more difficult. Additional weather conditions, like extreme fog and early morning frost, can also affect visibility and stopping time, leading to accidents. Weather conditions also contribute to glare, making it difficult or even impossible to see, temporarily blinding you and making it impossible to see road hazards.
Inexperience can lead to personal injuries
All drivers are slightly inexperienced with changing weather conditions, as they haven’t dealt with fall and winter weather in several months. Many drivers go too fast for conditions, which can cause them to lose control, causing accidents that lead to personal injuries. Most motor vehicle accidents involve some degree of negligence by the at-fault driver. When negligence and cold weather conditions combine, injuries resulting from accidents can be severe.
If you or a loved one have sustained injuries in a fall motor vehicle accident, you may face multiple surgeries and months or years of physical therapy. When these situations occur, victims frequently cannot work, lose income, have excessive medical bills, and may have difficulty making ends meet. Accident victims may be able to file legal claims to help pay for their medical bills and pain and suffering.
