Driving in the fall can be unpredictable: the end of daylight savings time, the presence of a great number of deer, and swift changes in the weather. Bucks County personal injury lawyer, Michael L. Saile, Jr., explains why it is important for drivers to stay alert at all times on the road and be aware of the outside environment in general so as to be in the best position possible to avoid a New Jersey or Pennsylvania car accident. It’s good practice for cautious winter driving!

Here are seven ways to protect yourself and others while driving this fall:

Beware of buses: Fall means school is back in session. Thousands of children and teenagers across the country will be stumbling out of bed in a hurry to catch the bus to school. During your morning commute, allow extra time for buses and school zones, especially if you live in a residential area. Always make sure to proceed with caution because children are often the most unaware of approaching vehicles and could run out in front of your car.

Stay alert on the roadways: The darker mornings and the earlier onset of darkness at dusk takes some getting used to. You should allow yourself a week or two to adjust to these new conditions, and be extra cautious of cyclists and pedestrians, as they will be less visible. You do not want to be responsible for causing a bicycle or pedestrian accident.

Pack a pair of sunglasses: The change back to standard time may result in blinding sun glare in the morning and late afternoon. The glare can cause reflections off car windows and hoods, decreasing your visibility. Trying to keep the sun out of your eyes can be distracting and annoying.

Check your tire pressure: Fall often results in frequent temperature changes, causing tires to expand and contract with the changing weather. This can cause your tires to lose air pressure, so make sure your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.

Watch out for wet leaves: Wet leaves on roadways can cause slippery and dangerous driving conditions. Be sure to avoid piles of wet leaves while out on the road when possible. Hitting a wet pile of leaves can cause you to lose control of your car and have an accident.

Check the weather before you get behind the wheel: Fall often brings rainfall, which can cause hydroplaning and decrease your visibility and control. This is the perfect time of year to replace your windshield wiper blades and make sure your windshield wipers are operating properly. Be extra cautious while driving in the rain and try to avoid puddles of standing water because you do not always know what lies under those puddles, such as huge potholes.

Beware of first frost: Fall also means the first frost of the season, which can result in slippery road conditions. Proceed with caution when heading out in the morning, and watch for any patches of ice on the roadways.

Answers to your Philadelphia Area Car Accident Questions

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a PA or NJ auto accident due to the negligence of another driver, contact the experienced Newtown area personal injury lawyers at Cordisco & Saile LLC. Call us at 215-642-2335 to speak to a client care specialist and to schedule your free consultation. it is a good idea to download or request a mailing of your FREE copy of our PA car accident book, “How to Maximize Your Pennsylvania Car Accident Case Before an Insurance Company Takes Advantage of You.”