We are deep into autumn, the time of year when the South gets its first respite from the steaming heat of a long summer.
But while you are enjoying cool(er) breezes and lower temps, it’s always wise to remain vigilant about the potential hazards that accompany autumn. A few of these dangers are addressed below.
Piles of leaves
Fallen leaves accumulate on roads and streets and may disguise road hazards hidden beneath the piles. Potholes on unfamiliar stretches of highway can jolt your car and throw off its alignment, necessitating repairs.
For motorcyclists, though, the dangers can be deadly. Leaves on the highway get slick with rain and can cause motorcycles to go into a skid, possibly leading the motorcycle and its rider into the path of oncoming traffic.
The time changes soon
In less than a month, the clocks fall back an hour, which means that dusk falls earlier. This greatly affects those who must then make the evening commute back home in the darkness. Anticipating this change can help motorists prepare for the seasonal transition to standard time.
Deer rut in the fall
Here in Georgia, deer begin to rut in October, which means that animals are more likely to get struck by vehicles from now through the end of the year. Peak rutting season is typically in November, but all drivers should be on the alert for darting animals on the move.
If you get into an autumn accident
Things happen, even to the safest drivers. If you get into an auto accident with another motorist, remember never to admit fault at the scene. Even apologizing for the accident can paint you into a corner where liability is concerned.