As fall sets in, it is that time of the year when everyone is putting away their summer clothing and taking out the fall and winter jackets. The leaves are changing and the days are getting shorter. It is time for homeowners to take out their rakes and leaf blowers and clean out the gutters. However, with the change of the seasons comes some new injuries and dangerous situations to watch out for on the road.
Car accidents can cause devastating and catastrophic injuries. If you were in a car accident because of another person’s negligence, then you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Fayetteville AR personal injury lawyer Ken Kieklak works to protect the rights of Arkansans injured due to the recklessness or negligence of others. If you have suffered a serious injury or a loved one has been killed, contact us by calling (479) 316-0438 or visit us online.
Increased Dangers on the Road
Driving in the fall around Fayetteville can be a joyful experience. Northwest Arkansas is one of the most beautiful places to see the changing leaves and easy access to the Ozarks encourage many drivers to be on the road exploring. However, there are some added dangers on the road during this time.
With the changing weather, it is common to have lower levels of visibility due to fog. When driving in these foggy conditions it may be hard or impossible to see other drivers on the road. According to J.D Power and Associates, you should use low-beam headlights while driving in foggy weather. However, while this may be a good suggestion, it is also a legal requirement in Arkansas. Specifically, Title 27 §27-36-204 of the Arkansas Transportation Code requires that:
“Every vehicle, except motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, upon a highway within this state at any time from one-half (1/2) hour after sunset to one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise and at any other time when there is not sufficient light to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of five hundred feet (500′) ahead shall display lighted lamps and illuminating devices as respectively required for different classes of vehicles.”
While the statute does not specifically mention fog by name, because the statute requires that you turn on your headlights when you cannot see farther than 500 feet, this would at times entail using your headlights in foggy conditions. In addition, there are often heavy rain storms during the fall that can result in poor visibility and poor traction on the road.
Animals also present a problem for drivers on the road. Deer, in particular, are very active during this time of the year. Not only is it deer season for hunters, it is also mating season for deer. When you are driving during the fall, it is important to be aware of any deer that are standing on the side of the road as they may unexpectedly dart into traffic, either causing you to hit them, or causing you or someone else to swerve into oncoming traffic.
Leaves on the road also present a unique challenge that many drivers do not think about until it is too late. While the fall foliage may be beautiful to look at, when leaves accumulate on the road they can cause your car to lose traction. It does not matter if the leaves are wet or dry – if there are is a sufficient amount of leaves on the road, they can make it more difficult to bring your car to a stop. In addition, because the leaves can blanket the ground, it can make it difficult to see potholes and bumps in the road.
When the days start to get shorter and colder you may notice the familiar sight of frost on your front lawn. While many people do not think about it, frost on the road can cause you or other drivers to lose control over their vehicle. In particular, drivers should be careful when they are driving over bridges and overpasses as these roads will not only frost over first, but also stay covered in frost longer in the day.
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact an Arkansas Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident in Fayetteville, Arkansas, The Law Practice of Ken Kieklak is here to provide you with the legal counsel you need to ensure your rights are protected. To speak with an experienced Fayetteville, Arkansas personal injury attorney, call the Law Practice of Ken Kieklak at (479) 316-0438, or contact us online.