Map Shows 170 Million Drivers Entering Danger Season for Car Wrecks: Report
A majority of Americans have just entered the danger season for car wrecks , according to a new report from Carfax that named fall as the worst time of year for car accident damage in the United States.
For more than 72 percent of U.S. drivers , fall is the most accident-prone season, meaning that 170 million Americans have begun the most dangerous driving months, according to the report by the vehicle data company.
Many assume that winter would be the most perilous for drivers, but, according to the Carfax report, that was only the case for six states: California, Alaska, Louisiana, Florida, New Jersey and Vermont.
"CARFAX has the most accident and damage information, and sometimes that data can be surprising," Faisal Hasan, general manager for data at CARFAX, said in a statement. "The change of seasons is a good time for drivers to see if any new recalls have been issued for their car."
There are many reasons fall came out on top for the most dangerous driving season. With fall ushering in shorter days, Americans are generally not as used to driving in the dark. Carfax data reveals that drivers are twice as likely to have an accident at night than in daylight, and half of U.S. accidents happen in the dark despite those hours accounting for just 25 percent of travel.
Wet leaves can also deliver slippery conditions during the fall, and deer mating season runs from October through December. Nearly half of deer-related crashes occur during this stretch, according to Carfax.
"Autumn can be tough on drivers," personal injury lawyer Percy Martinez told Newsweek, clarifying he was not providing legal counsel. "As the weather changes, days get shorter and wildlife gets more active, driving can be tricky. Rain, fog and early frost can turn roads into slippery roads by reducing tire grip. Wet leaves are like ice, making driving hazardous and hiding potholes and other road defects."
For the 23 percent of drivers who live in states where winter is the most dangerous driving season, icy roads and shorter days also contribute to a significant chunk of accidents on the roads.
Only drivers in Nebraska and Oklahoma saw spring as their most dangerous driving season, while New Mexico drivers endured the most auto accidents during the summer.
To prevent accidents during the fall or any season, experts recommend following all speed limit laws and slowing down when faced with an unknown route or worse driving conditions than usual.
"Slow down and increase the gap between you and the car in front especially on wet or foggy roads. Keep an eye out for leaves on the road and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns on leafy surfaces as it can lose traction," Martinez said. "Be extra aware during dawn and dusk when animals are most active and other drivers will be stopping to avoid wildlife."
Your car's maintenance is also essential, and checking your tire pressure and car battery can save lives as Americans approach the colder months.
Slush from the road can also be kicked onto your windshield, so it's recommended to check your wiper fluid level and wiper blades to ensure your driving vision is unencumbered.
Many states can face higher accident rates in the fall due to poorly lit roads and uneven road surfaces exacerbated by the weather, so always be prepared for the unexpected.
"Unlike winter when drivers are more prepared for bad weather, the dangers of autumn are often underestimated," Martinez said. "Many drivers don't adjust their behavior quickly enough to the season's challenges and that leads to preventable accidents and increased risk on the roads."
