October saw approximately 3,815 motor vehicle fatalities – Fall Driving 2023
Source: NHTSA
What should we be aware of for fall driving this month?
1. Changing Weather Conditions
- Rain, fog, frost, and wet leaves create slick roads, reduce traction, and impair visibility, leading to increased crash risks.
2. Reduced Daylight & Nighttime Driving
- Shorter days mean more drivers are on the road at dusk or in the dark, where reduced visibility increases the likelihood of accidents, especially for less experienced drivers like teens.
3. Distracted Driving
- Distractions such as texting, eating, or interacting with passengers continue to be a leading cause of crashes. Halloween festivities also introduce additional distractions for both drivers and pedestrians.
4. Speeding or Driving Too Fast for Conditions
- Failure to adjust speed for weather or road conditions is a common contributor, especially when roads are wet or icy, reducing the ability to stop quickly.
5. Animal Activity (Deer Collisions)
- October marks the start of deer mating season, leading to an increase in deer-vehicle collisions, particularly at dawn and dusk when visibility is already lower.
Opportunities to prepare for these daily risks:
2-Day Advanced Skills
4-Hour Advanced
Teen Driving Clinic
4-Hour Winter Skills Clinic
More From Our Blog
The 100 Deadliest Days:
How Drivers Can Reduce Risk During the Most Dangerous Time of the Year The 100 Deadliest Days refers to the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when fatal crashes involving teen drivers spike dramatically. According to AAA, an average of 8 people are killed…
May Driving Tips: Staying Safe as Roads Get Busier
May Driving Tips Every year, May signals a shift on American roads. The days get longer. Temperatures climb. And traffic — along with the risks that come with it — picks up fast. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a professional fleet driver, or a first-year teen…
Navigating the Shift: A Professional Instructor’s Guide to April Showers
April Driving Safety Tips As professional driving instructors, we often say that the most dangerous time to be on the road isn’t necessarily the middle of a blizzard—it’s the transition between seasons. April is the definition of “unpredictable.” One morning you’re…