Fall’s upsides include leaves changing color and sunny days, but they also tie into the downsides. For example, pretty leaves mean more traffic.
When many people think of fall, they envision glorious leaves, football games, apple cider, and cozy clothes. No doubt, fall is a great season. However, it does come with its share of driving dangers that people in Maryland face.
Leaves changing color
The leaves changing color are related to several driving dangers. For one, a lot of people hop in their cars to go enjoy the scenery. More traffic means increased risks of car crashes. It can also lead to more incidents of distracted driving, as drivers focus on the leaves rather than on the roadways around them.
Also, many people who leave home to enjoy the leaves may drive several hours or more away. What happens if their car breaks down in a sparsely trafficked area with a spotty signal? Travelers should have their vehicles inspected at the end of summer to ensure they are ready for another season of driving.
Then there is the fact that leaves often end up on roads. Mix them with rain, and the surfaces become even more slippery. Cars may take longer to brake to a stop and may rear-end another car. The leaves can cover up potholes, bumps and important marks on the pavement.
Going back to school
Children and their parents have just gotten into the swing of going back to school when fall arrives. No matter how adjusted they are, though, there is no getting around the traffic increases at certain times of the day (school starts and school dismissals, for example). Couple this with the fact that the days get shorter, and children can be out and walking home from clubs or sporting activities at precisely the same time that commuters drive home in the waning daylight.
Halloween
On and around October 31, ghosts, goblins and other creepy crawlies take over sidewalks and even streets. The darkness, changing weather conditions and costumed children do not make for the best combination with drivers. Even children who carry glow sticks and who follow all traffic safety rules can be at risk when there is a distracted, drowsy or intoxicated driver in the picture.
Wildlife
Deer use the fall season to mate and move on, and as Maryland drivers know, these creatures can be a nuisance-or worse. Drivers should take care at all times of the day, but especially in low light and when they are in areas known to have a lot of deer.
Other fall dangers in Maryland include sun glare, fog, rain, and frost. Daylight savings time can also mess with drivers' internal rhythms, and when someone is hurt in a collision, it can be a good idea to seek the help of an attorney for compensation.