Autumn is in full swing in Chicago. That means more motorists on the road to visit family and friends for Thanksgiving, as well as shoppers driving to find the best Black Friday deals. Fall can be particularly deceiving when it comes to driving safety; temperatures are lower, but the roads aren’t full of ice and snow just yet. This can create a false sense of confidence when driving. To help Chicago motorists stay safe during autumn and prevent Chicago car accidents, Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys has compiled the following Autumn driving safety tips.
Four Chicago Autumn Driving Safety Tips
1. Be Careful When Driving At Night
The end of daylight savings time is quickly approaching. That, along with the changing of the seasons, means it’s going to get a lot darker a lot faster. Between the Autumnal Equinox on September 22 and the Winter Solstice on December 21, we lose almost three hours of sunlight, or as much as one to two minutes per day. It’s a gradual enough change that you might not notice it at first, but still significant enough to catch you off guard.
To help prevent nighttime car accidents, be sure to turn on your headlights earlier than you’re accustomed to to improve visibility. In addition, keep your windshield clean to avoid headlight glare, make sure you get plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel, and choose alternative transportation methods if you’ve been drinking.
2. Watch Out For Wildlife
Next on our list of Chicago autumn driving safety tips is wildlife–specifically deer. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), more than two-million insurance claims were filed because of car accidents involving deer between July 2020 and June 2021. The agency also claimed that Americans have a roughly 1 in 116 chance of hitting an animal while driving. Deer mating season in Illinois runs from October through January, so be sure to keep an eye out while driving in Chicago suburbs and rural areas.
To help prevent Chicago wildlife collisions, keep in mind that deers are primarily active at dawn and dusk. Be especially careful when driving between the hours of 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. You can also keep an eye out for deer crossing signs, use your high beams on dark country roads, and reduce your speed.
If you do come across a deer unexpectedly, do not swerve off the road or attempt to avoid hitting the animal, as this can actually result in an even more serious injury wreck.
3. Don’t Let Leaves Be Your Downfall
As fall descends across the country, many trees may begin to change colors and lose their leaves. While this is a beautiful sight, wet leaves on the roadway can be a hazard to motorists and lead to traffic accidents.
If you notice a lot of leaves on the ground, slow down. Wet leaves can cause similar road conditions as ice and become quite slippery. They may also pile up over potential road hazards like potholes, so keep an eye out for leaves, reduce your speed, and increase your following distance in areas with a lot of foliage.
4. Be Prepared for Unexpected Weather
Most wouldn’t consider snow to be part of Autumn driving safety tips, but Chicago recently saw snowfall. Although temperatures may briefly rise again, bad weather can make an appearance in Illinois at the drop of a hat. Although it’s still fall, winter weather will be here before you know it. Make sure your vehicle is prepared for snow and icy roadways.
Consider having your vehicle inspected by a licensed mechanic to make sure it is in tip top shape. Pay particular attention to your headlights, ensuring that both are clean and in working order. You should also replace your windshield wipers if they are showing signs of wear, and keep an emergency kit in your car if you’ll be going on any long drives this holiday season.
What to Do If You’re Injured in an Illinois Auto Accident
Even if you have a perfect driving record and follow all these Autumn driving safety tips, accidents can still happen. If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident in Illinois because of the negligent or reckless actions of another person or party, you may be eligible for compensation. To find out how to get the settlement you need, contact the Chicago personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys for a free consultation.
Between lost wages, hospital bills, and lengthy recovery periods, a traffic accident can wreak havoc on your life and your bank account. With an experienced car accident attorney on your side, you can rest assured that you’ll get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and your pain and suffering. Claim your free consultation today by calling 708-222-2222.
Representatives are also standing by via LiveChat to answer your questions. Alternatively, you can request your free case review online by completing this simple form. Lerner and Rowe has achieved billion-dollar results for our clients, while giving them the support they need to help carry the burden of their injuries. Give us a call today and find out why we’re one of the most trusted personal injury law firms in Chicago.