Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year for New York residents. The stately deciduous forests throughout mainland New York will turn brilliant colors, prompting tourists and locals alike to go out for foliage tours. Upstate New York, in particular, sees a surge of people visiting for fall colors.
Many individuals look forward to sweaters season, pumpkin spice coffee and apple cider, as well as homemade donuts at farm stands. The fall brings with it several challenges as well, especially when you are out on the roads.
Recognizing those risks could help you avoid a serious car crash.
Changing light levels
As the fall season progresses, the northern hemisphere becomes more tilted away from the sun. The angle of approach for light, especially in the afternoon, can be particularly scintillating. People may find that the glare off of their windshields or off of puddles in the road is blinding unless they consistently wear sunglasses throughout the fall season.
Additionally, need to consider the fact that the timing for both dusk and dawn will shift. During those transitional times, animal activity will be high, meaning that deer and other creatures could cause a crash.
Precipitation and leaves
Rainy fall weather or a surprise early snowstorm can make the roads very slippery and dangerous for drivers. The presence of fallen leaves on the road only exacerbates those safety concerns. Leaves can pose their own slipping hazards and can also cover up other issues with the road, like potholes that could pop a tire.
Fatigued drivers
The changing light levels can affect people’s biological clocks, making them feel more exhausted early in the morning or during their afternoon commute. Additionally, the transition of getting kids back to school may make parents particularly exhausted at the wheel. Drowsy drivers can be as dangerous as drunk drivers, with longer reaction times and a harder time focusing on the road.
The presence of tourists and drivers looking at fall colors is also a risk factor. As the fall winds down, there will also be an increase in pedestrian risk. Halloween is one of the worst days of the year for pedestrian collisions.
When drivers recognize seasonal issues and change their driving habits accordingly, they can help keep everyone safer on the road. Identifying and accounting for car crash risks in the fall season will help you reach your destination safely.