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Fall Driving Safety Tips

Driving through Missouri and Kansas in the autumn is a sensory wonder. Fall leaves paint the scene in gold, red, yellow, and orange. While the area is known for its picturesque fall season, Kansas City motorists should know of the extra dangers that come with the changing season.

Driving dangers often bring to mind scenes of snow and ice and treacherous roadways. While it's true that winter driving carries its own special dangers, driving around in the fall can bring unique hazards as well. Fall leaves, for example, pose a threat few drivers may consider. Fall is also the time for change and transition, both of which can add to the hazardous conditions on the roadways.

Leaves in the Road
As beautiful as the changing leaves can be, once they fall off of the trees they create a driving hazard. Where you find a cluster of leaves on the roadway, you will also find a potential slick spot similar to a patch of ice on the road. A clump of leaves on the road can hold more water than one might think. Driving over a pile of wet leaves in the roadway can be like driving over a patch of ice. As the temperature drops outside, icy crystals can form on the leaves making them even more hazardous.

If you are driving on a roadway littered with leaves, take it slow. Going slow will give you the extra time to brake in the event you run into a problem. This is not the time to tailgate other drivers. Leave plenty of room for safe braking between yourself and the driver in front of you. Be careful to watch for road signs; leaves can obstruct highway markings making it difficult to see marked no passing zones, as well as other road dangers.

Less Sunlight
In the middle of the fall, the days become noticeably shorter. As daylight decreases, more normal activities will happen in the darkness. In the early morning for example, school children will be harder to spot as they wait along the roadside for the school bus. Watch out for kids crossing the road on the way to school. Take extra time driving through residential neighborhoods in the mornings. Keep a watchful eye out for children walking home from school in the afternoons as well, as the sun's glare may make it difficult to see while you are driving home.

Bear in mind that the sun's glare on your windshield will hit during different times after the fall time change. Be prepared for the light hazard by carrying good sunglasses in your vehicle at all times. Keep windows and windshields sparkling clean to avoid a blinding effect as the sun reflects off the glass.

Halloween is a favorite fall holiday, but it comes with its own set of dangers for children. Kansas City drivers should take extra precaution over the holiday to watch for kids out trick-or-treating. Children wearing cumbersome masks can find it difficult to see five feet in front of them, let alone the driver coming down the roadway. While you hope trick-or-treaters will follow Halloween safety precautions, always assume the child does not see you first. Take it slow around neighborhoods teeming with children out for Halloween night fun.

Frost on the Roads
As the temperatures dip down on cool fall mornings, frost forms on the roadways creating a slick driving surface. Watch the weather reports each morning and be aware when there is a threat of frost. Allow for extra time in your commute. Do not drive excessively fast when frost is a possibility. Take special care as you drive over overpasses and bridges where ice can form quickly, even when the rest of the roadway is simply wet.

Deer
Long time Kansas and Missouri residents know that the fall season brings out another road danger - a four legged variety that can come out of nowhere. The incidence of deer running across area roadways increases as the breeding season comes into full bloom. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk when deer are most active and a time when lighting poses an additional driving hazard from the sun's glare. Deer often seem to come out of nowhere, causing countless accidents every year. Watch for patches of open field where deer typically frequent. Drive cautiously near low-lying areas and dips. Always be aware of the chance a deer will run in front of your vehicle. Brake calmly, watching for more deer as they tend to travel in small groups. Think about what to do in case you hit a deer, and be prepared mentally for the possibility.

If you are involved in a car accident this fall, the Kansas City auto accident attorneys from Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys may be able to help you find answers to the questions you will have about your rights. Call them at 888-348-2616 for more information about a free initial consultation. You can also find valuable information in the free resource guide 10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim .

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