Top 5 Fall Driving Hazards and Safety Tips to Prevent Accidents

As the “100 Deadliest Days” draw to a close this weekend, our vigilance behind the wheel must persist. As we transition into Fall, we typically see a 12% to 14% rise in motor vehicle crashes.

Fall Driving Hazards

What drives this spike as we gear up for Friday night football, the vibrant hues of changing leaves, and crisp Fall evenings?

1. Decreased Daylight Hours

• Shorter Days: As Fall advances, daylight dwindles, forcing more driving during dusk or dark hours. Reduced visibility during these times can heighten the risk of accidents, especially during peak traffic in the morning and evening.
• Glare from Low Sun: The sun’s angle in Fall can cause significant glare, particularly during sunrise and sunset, impairing a driver’s vision and reaction time.

2. Weather Conditions

• Rain and Wet Leaves: Fall often brings rain, making roads slick. Wet leaves can form a slippery layer, reducing tire traction and increasing the likelihood of skidding or hydroplaning.
• Fog: Cooler mornings and evenings can usher in fog, drastically limiting visibility and elevating the risk of collisions.

3. Wildlife Activity

• Increased Deer Movement: Fall is mating season for deer, leading to heightened movement, especially during dawn and dusk. This increases the chance of deer-related collisions, particularly in rural and suburban areas.
• Other Wildlife: Besides deer, animals like squirrels and raccoons are more active during the Fall, further raising the risk of wildlife-related crashes.

4. Back-to-School Traffic

• Increased Pedestrian Activity: The start of the school year brings more pedestrians, including children walking to and from school or waiting for buses, which raises the risk of pedestrian-related accidents.
• School Zone Traffic: With more traffic around schools and bus stops, coupled with distracted driving, there is a greater likelihood of accidents in these areas during the Fall.

5. Driver Fatigue

• Adjustment to Time Change: The end of daylight saving time disrupts sleep patterns, leading to driver fatigue, slower reaction times, and decreased alertness, all of which increase accident risk.

Safety Adjustments for Fall Driving

As drivers, how can we stay safe and avoid fall driving hazards this season? With reduced visibility, changing weather, and active wildlife, these key principles are essential to remember:

• More Space: Under normal, clear driving conditions, maintaining a 3- to 4-second gap between vehicles is standard. However, with low visibility, rain, or fog, extending this space to 5 to 6 seconds allows more time to see, decide, and react to potential road hazards.
• Increased Vision: About 80% to 90% of driving decisions are based on what we see. Always look left-right-left, but in challenging conditions, an extra look may be necessary to spot hidden dangers. Stay aware of what’s ahead, to the sides, and behind by frequently checking mirrors.

Back-to-school traffic brings additional challenges: new drivers, schedule adjustments, and kids running around are just a few factors. Familiarize yourself with your state’s school bus traffic laws and be extra vigilant in neighborhoods and near schools. Allow more time to reach your destination—rushing, increased speed, and distractions are within our control and crucial to avoiding accidents.

Managing Driver Fatigue

While better rest is the clear solution to driver fatigue, fall driving hazards can still catch you off guard. If yawning starts, your head bobs, or you can’t recall the last few miles, it’s crucial to pull over safely. Here are a few strategies to help once you’ve stopped:

• Hydration: Staying hydrated throughout the day plays a significant role in minimizing fatigue.
• Power Nap: Mastering the art of a 5- to 12-minute power nap can provide the boost needed to reach your destination safely.
• Walk Around: Stretching and walking can increase blood flow and energy, helping you refocus on the road.
• Visual Inputs: Keeping your eyes moving—scanning the road ahead, to the sides, and behind—can prevent tunnel vision and the hypnotic stares that contribute to driver fatigue.
• Caffeine: A little caffeine can provide a quick pick-me-up, but be mindful of overconsumption and know how your body reacts to it.

Final Thoughts

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