Autumn beauty means dangerous driving conditions

Driver negligence is often the cause of devastating collisions, but this negligence can come in many forms. From a driver who is distracted by other activities while behind the wheel to a driver who has their reaction times dulled by a heavy dose of strong prescription medication, these individuals can cause serious crashes resulting in catastrophic injuries.

Unfortunately, certain times of the year can introduce environmental hazards to our Pennsylvania roadways. As we approach the time of slick roads caused by ice and snow, we must first navigate roads piled up with evidence of the changing weather – fallen leaves.

• Slippery surfaces: Whether the leaves are wet or dry, they can lead to catastrophic changes in road conditions. The loss of traction can often make roads as slippery as ice as many motorists neglect to change their driving habits to account for the changing road conditions. From sliding through an intersection to losing control going around a corner, drivers must be aware of how leaves can impact driving safety.
• Leaves can camouflage road hazards: From filling in a deep pothole to smoothing over a speed bump, leaves can accumulate around certain road hazards and shield them from a driver’s view. Additionally, the leaves can cover over and disguise large rocks, fallen branches, lumber or other debris. Hitting these objects can cause a driver to lose control, colliding with other vehicles on the road.
• Unexpected combustion: It is not uncommon for leaves to accumulate in parking lots and against curbs along busy streets. When a driver chooses to park on top of these leaves, the heat from the engine and exhaust system can cause dry leaves to combust, quickly engulfing the vehicle, and others nearby, in flames.

Commuters in Pennsylvania face dangers at every turn. From drowsy drivers and distracted drivers to those impaired by drugs or alcohol, both city streets and highways can become challenging. If you are involved in a collision caused by a negligent driver or a driver who loses control due to hidden debris, it is important to learn more about your legal options.