As the season turns from summer to fall, fatal car accidents are on the rise. The United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released statistics comparing 2019 to 2020. The data indicates that traffic fatalities increased in the autumn months of September, October, and November. There are identifiable causes that lead to the increase in deaths, as well as precautions you can take to keep you and your loved ones safe.
At Evans Moore, LLC, our attorneys have experience in all types of South Carolina car accident cases.
Why Do Car Accident Fatalities Increase in Autumn?
Many environmental factors contribute to the increase in autumn car accident fatalities,
- There are more vehicles on the road as children return to school
- School zone speed limits return, and drivers don’t adjust right away
- The days are shorter after we “fall back” and, as a result, more people are driving at night
- The falling foliage can obscure dangers on the roadway
- Deer mating season in October causes more deer to be on the roads, which contributes to more autumn car accident fatalities
In addition to the factors listed above, South Carolina experiences more rain in the fall than all but fourteen other states. The rain makes the roads slick, and, when combined with shorter daylight hours, the risk of fatal autumn car accidents in South Carolina rises. The combination of all of these factors is responsible for the increase in autumn car accidents in South Carolina.
Preventing Autumn Car Accidents
You can take several steps to reduce the likelihood that you or a loved one will be involved in an autumn car accident. The suggestions start with driver safety rules and extend through specific safety steps to observe in autumn.
The National Highway Safety Transportation Administration lists several safety precautions that one should apply throughout the year:
- Always obey all traffic rules
- Never drive intoxicated
- Never drive when you are tired
- Never operate your telephone while driving
- Always wear a seatbelt
- Always drive with two hands on the wheel
There are also specific safety measures you can employ to prevent autumn car accidents. It is a good idea to follow these suggestions as soon as summer turns to autumn.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) has specific recommendations for driving in the rain. The autumn rains make the roadways far slicker than usual. Standing water, which can be challenging to see, can cause vehicles to lose traction, hydroplane, and spin out of control. When it is raining, remember to turn on your headlamps. You should also reduce your speed to match the weather conditions. Also, if water is covering the roadway, do not attempt to cross it until you can determine its depth. Finally, it is a good idea to check the condition of your tires at the end of every season.
With the return of school, school buses will share the road with commuters in the morning. It is a good idea to put an alert in your calendar to remind you of the applicable laws pertaining to school buses. When driving near a school bus, remember to always come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the buses’ lights stop flashing or it retracts its “stop” signal. You always have to stop for a school bus on a two-lane road.
If you are driving during dusk, dawn, or a full moon, you are far more likely to encounter deer on the roadways. Many autumn car accidents involving deer occur when one automobile swerves to avoid the deer and strikes another vehicle. For this reason, it is crucially important to be aware of the presence of deer and always be mindful of the entire road so you can navigate your car to safety. It is also advisable to reduce your speed during the hours when it is more likely that you will come across a deer or another wild animal on the roadways.
Taking these simple steps can significantly reduce the number of autumn car accidents in South Carolina, including fatalities. We all share the road with school children, other drivers, and wildlife.
South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
If you, or a loved one, suffered an injury in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, call Evans Moore, LLC to speak with an experienced South Carolina personal injury and victim’s rights lawyer today. Our consultations are always free. Our lawyers will take the time to understand your case, answer all of your questions, and advise you of your options. Call our offices today at (843) 995-5000.