Leaves, for all their colorful beauty, can become a serious safety hazard and may cause car accidents for drivers once they start to fall off the trees. No maintenance crew can keep up with the steady downpour of fall foliage on many streets and roadways. Sudden wind gusts can release hundreds of leaves onto streets and sidewalks, creating safety issues for motorists. You can enjoy the seasonal color display and stay safe by remembering the following tips this fall when driving.

Wet leaves have a waxy coating that makes them extremely slippery when wet. In fact, driving on wet leaves can be just as dangerous as driving on ice. When you see leaves ahead on the road you should slow down and approach cautiously. Even leaves that appear dry may be hiding wet underneath. It is much harder to come to a stop on a slick surface so take this into account and allow for enough braking distance by leaving adequate space between you and the vehicle in front of you. You should also use extra caution when making turns.

Another reason to slow down when the road is covered with leaves is that they hide things you would normally see and avoid, such as potholes and debris. The leaves can also obscure road markings, making it especially hard for drivers unfamiliar with the area to stay in the right lanes or know the direction of travel.

You should inspect your tires regularly; fall is a great time to check to ensure your tires have good tread and are properly inflated. This will give you the best traction when you encounter fallen leaves.

Fallen leaves can easily cover a car. Be sure to clear the windshield, rear window, windshield wipers, hood, and the top of the car before getting behind the wheel.

Leaves can become a fire hazard if you park your hot car on or near them. Under the right conditions, they can ignite, so avoid parking in areas with leaves or debris.

Take extra care to watch for pedestrians who may leave a sidewalk, crosswalk, or path blocked with leaves and veer into roadways. Bicyclists share the same dangers of wet, slippery leaves as drivers. Children love to play in leaf piles and may hide wherever they find one, including on the side of the road. Leaves piled high for collection may also make it impossible to see small children who are preparing to cross the street.

Fall brings a variety of driving hazards. In addition to falling leaves, the days are shorter, and the weather can be stormy, making visibility a big issue. Reviewing safety tips is a great way for drivers to protect themselves and others from preventable accidents.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another party, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact the Law Office of David S. Rochman today to schedule a free consultation with a Burlington County car accident lawyer . Call 856-751-2345 or submit our online contact form . From our office in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we advocate for clients in Burlington County and the surrounding areas.

The post Safety Tips for When Leaves Fall appeared first on Mount Laurel Personal Injury Attorney | Call 856-751-2345.