Getting your license is the first step towards independence in most young people’s lives. While driving on your own may be exciting, it is essential to remember that driving can still be dangerous. Whether you are heading back to school or going for a drive to the beach for a fall bonfire, the chilly autumn months can bring hazards to look out for as a new driver.
Setareh Law is a team of award-winning car accident injury attorneys with experience helping victims build a strong injury claim after an accident. While most new drivers tend to assume that they are perfectly safe drivers, in the United States, 43 percent of first-year drivers end up in an accident. To help prevent an accident from occurring this fall, there are five safety tips that may be helpful as you set out on California’s roadways.
Fall Safety Tips for New California Drivers to Follow
Fall is the favorite season for many individuals. This pleasantly chilly time of year brings the beginning of the new school year, football season, bonfires, Halloween, and pumpkin spiced lattes. While there is a lot to love about fall, new drivers need to be extra careful on the roads during this time of year. The following safety tips may help keep new drivers safe as they set out on the roads:
Recognize Changes in Weather
While fall weather is generally pretty mild, there are still hazardous weather conditions that you may want to avoid driving in. Some examples of hazardous fall weather include:
- Rain
- Fog
- Morning frost
If you are caught driving in any of these weather conditions, remember to slow down, turn on your headlights for better vision, and keep a safe following distance from any other cars on the road.
It Gets Darker Earlier
While it may still be sunny at seven at night in the Summer, the sun goes down earlier in fall. If you are not comfortable driving in the dark or do not have much experience doing so, you may want to avoid driving past sunset until you feel more confident. When it gets dark, you may miss hazards on the roads, so it is important to stay extra alert.
Fallen Leaves
Fall is famous for its vibrantly colored leaves, but they can be dangerous when those leaves fall into the roads. When roads are wet from rain or frost, fallen leaves can be as dangerous as ice and should be avoided if possible.
Back to School Means Busier Roads
Fall means many students are heading back to school in California. The beginning of a new school year means more cars on the roads, school buses, and people in a rush to make it to first period on time. Being diligent and alert while driving during this time is vital.
Trick-or-Treaters
Halloween is a fun holiday for all ages, but with all of the excitement, it is important to be safe while driving on this holiday. Trick-or-treaters often run from house to house in residential areas, so be sure to be highly alert when driving in these areas.
California Car Accident Injury Lawyers Are on Your Side
As a new driver, setting out on the California roads may be exciting, but it is important to follow safety protocols and tips to prevent an accident from occurring. If an accident does occur, you may want to partner with an experienced car accident injury attorney to help build your claim.
Setareh Law is a team of California car accident injury attorneys with over 13 years of experience helping victims build solid injury claims. Our award-winning legal team provides each client with dedicated representation and knowledgeable legal counsel. For a free consultation, contact us here or call (310) 659-1826.