Deer, the end of DST and other fall driving hazards

On Behalf of | Nov 10, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

Inattentive driving is dangerous in any season, and autumn in New York is no exception. Drivers need to consider the dangers. First off, the cooler weather can drastically reduce their vehicle’s tire pressure, worsening the tires’ performance on slippery surfaces. Autumn is known for being damp, too, with rain often mingling with dirt and oil to create slick pavement.

Fog and more night driving

Drivers need to account for the limited visibility they experience in autumn weather. There’s fog, for example, but one could navigate in it if one’s vehicle comes with fog lights. Brights will not act as a substitute; these only blind drivers by bouncing off the fog.

Autumn, combined with the end of daylight saving time, will force drivers to travel more at night. Drivers should know that they will not have the benefit of peripheral vision, accurate depth perception or good color perception in the darkness.

Children and wild animals

Autumn also means active school zones. Drivers must readjust themselves to the reductions in speed limits. Another danger is posed by wild animals, especially deer. In November, which is deer mating season, one is 3.5 times more likely to hit one of these animals. In New York, 1 in 120 people who file an insurance claim do so because they hit an animal.

A lawyer for your insurance claim

New York being a no-fault state, most motor vehicle accidents are resolved through first-party insurance claims. To file against the other driver’s insurance company, victims would need to meet a serious injury threshold. Perhaps you think your injuries qualify you. A lawyer may be able to reaffirm your conclusion after a thorough case assessment. Besides that, a lawyer may be your advocate as negotiations proceed between you and the other insurance company.

Archives

Categories