Suisman Shaprio | Attorneys At Law
Suisman Shaprio | Attorneys At Law
The Largest Law Firm in Eastern Connecticut
Phones Answered 24 Hours A Day
A 75 Year Tradition of Innovation and Commitment to Excellence

How to drive safely during autumn in Connecticut

On Behalf of | Oct 13, 2022 | Car Accidents, Injuries

As the weather changes from hot to cold, your car’s operation also changes. To ensure your safety and that of other road users in Connecticut, it’s important to be mindful of the unique driving challenges fall weather can present.

Combatting fog and frost

During fall, cool temperatures combine with moisture in the air to form fog, usually in the mornings and evenings. This results in glare that causes poor visibility and can make it hard to see the road ahead.

Frost can also form on your windshield, making it difficult to see. To defrost your windshield, turn on your car’s heater to full blast and direct the airflow toward the glass. It’s advisable to avoid using hot water as this can crack your windshield.

If you find yourself driving in fog or frost, slow down and allow extra space between you and other vehicles. Consider using your low-beam headlights, so you don’t blind other drivers and also enable them to see you.

Leaves on the road

As leaves fall from trees and accumulate on the ground, they can get caught up in the wind and blow onto the road. When they become wet, they can stick to the pavement and create a slippery surface that’s dangerous for drivers. Thus, it’s important to be especially careful when driving around sharp turns or over bridges, where leaves can collect.

Beware of deer-related accidents

As fall days get shorter and nights longer, deer become more active. They’re also more likely to cross roads in search of mates during this time of year, which often results in motor vehicle accidents.

To avoid a collision with a deer, use high-beam headlights when driving at night or in areas where deer are known to frequent. And be extra cautious when driving around dawn and dusk, when deer are most active. If you do see a deer on the road, brake firmly, but stay in your lane. Swerving could cause you to lose control of your vehicle or collide with another object.

When you get involved in an accident, the law requires you to stop at the scene, exchange information with the other driver and call the police. Moreover, since Connecticut is a Fault insurance state, the person who caused the accident compensates everyone injured. Hence, the evidence you gather at the accident scene, like photos, videos and witness statements, would be crucial in determining who is at fault.

FindLaw Network