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Drivers need to watch out for these fall road hazards:

August 30, 2020
Whether it’s wildlife or children darting across the road unexpectedly or the onslaught of cold and rainy weather, the fall season presents extraordinarily high road hazards for drivers. Here are some tips to keep in mind as we enter the fall and winter months: 

Fall road hazards from wildlife crossing the road: Sep – Nov are high animal collision months, presenting greater road hazards for drivers. In fact, you’re 3.5 times more likely to hit an animal — especially a deer — in November than in any other month, cautions the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Some 36 percent of auto claims resulting from a wildlife collision occur during autumn, primarily due to animal migration patterns. More specifically, deer are likely to be mating in November; that’s why you see more of them. Some 10,000 drivers strike wild animals every year; 89 percent of them occur on two-land rural roads.

Because wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk, drivers should avoid the roads during these times if possible, keeping to broad daylight hours. Stay in the middle lane when possible, because you’ll have more time to spot animals as they attempt to cross.

Hitting a large animal such as deer can be just as dangerous as colliding with another vehicle. If an animal collision occurs, pull over and call local law enforcement, who will explain what you need to do next. Some states have special requirements regarding animal collisions. Don’t forget to take photos to provide your claims adjuster.

Kids back to school: Often kids are as bad as animals for not checking the road before they try to cross, creating additional road hazards for drivers. Avoid school zones and be hyper-vigilant just before and after school hours. Remember that it’s illegal to pass a bus that’s loading or unloading kids on an undivided road.


And don’t forget about student drivers. According to the National Safety Council, teen crashes spike in September when kids head back to school, particularly just before and after school hours.


Shorter days and worsening weather: Dusk, dawn and darkness happen more often during the fall and winter, making it harder for drivers to see. While just 25 percent of our driving is at night, 50 percent of traffic deaths occur then, says the National Safety Council. They also say that often a 50-year-old driver needs twice as much light to see as well as a 30-year-old.


Rainy days also impact visibility, as does a fogged windshield on a cold, wet day. To combat these road hazards, you are better not to start your trip until the visibility is clear in the windshield, windows and mirrors. Also, slow down on rain-slick roads, particularly if it’s the first rain in awhile.


Probably because it’s the start of the winter season, but 34 percent of skidding and snow claims happen between October and December. Remember to ensure your vehicles have plenty of tread left on their tires, and that tires are properly inflated. Check the battery, windshield wipers, wiper fluid and anti-freeze levels, and keep gas tanks at least half full.


Holiday shopping: As the holidays approach, shoppers converge on malls and shops, short on time and patience. Reports indicate that 25 percent of parking lot claims happen between October – December. They recommend:


  • Park further away from cars. Tight spaces can increase the chances of being hit by a car door or another vehicle.
  • Park in well-lit areas and be aware of who is nearby when walking to a vehicle or pulling out of a parking space.
  • Don’t park near cart returns. It reduces the chances of an errant cart drifting into your vehicle.


 Auto theft: ‘Tis the season for auto thefts as well, as autumn turns into winter. It goes without saying, but we’ll repeat it anyway: Don’t leave doors unlocked. Don’t leave packages, electronics or briefcases visible on the seats. In fact, don’t leave anything of value in the car – even in the trunk.


Keep safe this season!

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