Why Are Car Accidents So Common in the Fall?

When you think of the most dangerous time of year for car accidents, you think winter. It’s only normal. While the winter season in New Jersey certainly does come with inherent risks, many people tend to overlook the autumn season because the dangers aren’t as apparent. Read on to find out what makes the autumn season so dangerous so you can help keep you and your loved ones protected next time you’re on the road. 

Wet Leaves

While the changing leaves are beautiful to look at, they’re also incredibly dangerous after they fall to the ground. Leaves are naturally designed to not allow water in, meaning that when they get wet, that water sits on top of the leaf’s waxy coating resulting in a slippery surface much similar to that of an icy road. The biggest difference between ice and wet leaves is that leaves aren’t attached to the ground, meaning that they can slide against both the road and the tire. This often results in a vehicle’s torque to be unevenly applied between the leaves and the road, resulting in less traction. Not only can having less traction lead to the inability to stop or take sharp turns, but the falling leaves can severely reduce a driver’s visibility, forcing drivers to miss important road markers and lane lines. 

It’s always important to be extra vigilant during this time of year, most notably October and November when the leaves really begin to line the roadways. 

Deer Season

Here, in New Jersey, our residents are no stranger to deer. How often have you traveled down a road at night only to find a large group of deer standing uncomfortably close to traffic? Well, drivers have to be extra cautious during the fall because that’s when deer mating season takes place. In New Jersey, peak deer mating season runs from late October to mid-December, meaning we’re only a few weeks away from this dangerous time of year. An accident with a deer (or trying to avoid one) can not only result in horrific property damage, but catastrophic injuries as well. 

It’s a common misconception that deer are attracted to headlights when in reality, a deer actually becomes temporarily blinded by the bright lights, which is why they seem to just stand there as the vehicle approaches. The deer will actually stand still until his or her eyes become adjusted to the bright lights, which is why many drivers may end up running off the road in an effort to avoid them. This may cause drivers to crash into other vehicles, lanes or rails. According to State Farm, the average insurance claim for hitting a deer is around $10,000 when bodily injuries are factored in. With about 1.5 million deer accidents happening per year, drivers need to be extra vigilant when driving in unfamiliar or wooded areas. 

Sun Glare

Another cause of car accidents in the fall is on account of intense sun glare. As the season changes and it begins to get darker outside earlier, many commuters face limited visibility on their way home due to the setting sun. It’s important to have a pair of sunglasses available to help combat the bright glare, use your visor and make sure your windshield is clean. 

Weather Changes

Last but not least are changes in weather. Fog becomes more prevalent during the autumn months thanks to longer nights and dropping temperatures. Fog can drastically reduce a driver’s visibility as they commute to work or school in the morning. Statistics show that over 16,000 people are injured in fog-related motor vehicle crashes per year, with more than 600 of them resulting in fatalities. 

So while the autumn season is beautiful to look at and experience here in New Jersey, it can also present a number of dangers for commuters. Always be mindful of your surroundings and practice safe driving habits. If you or someone in your family was injured in a car accident, our experienced team of personal injury lawyers are here to help you recover the compensation you need to get your life back on track. 

Read more: When to See a Doctor After a Car Accident in New Jersey

Contact a Jersey City Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at our firm founder Law Office represent clients injured because of a car accident in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market St, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861, as well as offices in New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Linden, Newark, Paterson, South Amboy, and Trenton.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.