Here's what drivers in Maine should know to avoid a collision this autumn.
Car accidents can happen any time of year in Maine. However, drivers face different risks on the road every fall. That's why the Maine Department of Transportation (Maine DOT) recently provided some safety tips aimed at helping drivers avoid motor vehicle collisions this autumn.
Any recommendations to reduce the number of car crashes in Maine are welcome. At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, our experienced Maine car accident attorneys know all too well just how common – and how severe – collisions can be when it's autumn in Maine. That's why we take pride in fighting for injured Mainers and holding reckless drivers accountable through the civil justice system.
What makes roads more dangerous in the fall?
There are several reasons why streets and highways can be more dangerous in autumn. According to the Maine DOT, some of the reasons why drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists might be more at risk of getting into an accident in the fall include:
- More children are walking to school early in the morning and afternoon. Likewise, school buses are out making frequent stops during pickup and dropoff.
- There are fewer daylight hours (and earlier evening hours) due to shorter days. The darker it is, the tougher it can be for a driver to avoid causing a crash.
- Wet leaves make the roads slick and pose a skidding hazard.
- Early morning frost can make roads slippery and dangerous.
- More animals are on the road, especially as some prepare to hibernate for the winter.
- Roadwork and construction projects are wrapping up before winter, resulting in different traffic patterns.
What to do to avoid a collision in Maine in autumn
So, what can drivers do to prevent crashes this fall? According to the DOT:
- Be more alert, especially in school zones in the morning and afternoon. Children might be more likely to walk along a road or cross a street at these times.
- Never drink and drive, whether going to a Halloween party or a Friday night football game. Instead, designate a sober driver ahead of time.
- Share the road with bicyclists, pedestrians, trick-or-treaters, or anyone else you might encounter while driving.
- Remember that it gets darker earlier, and to turn on your headlights, especially if it's darker, foggy, or raining. Even if you can see well, ensure other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists can see you.
Why do car crashes happen in the fall?
Shorter days and weather conditions can contribute to many Maine car accidents. But often, reckless or aggressive drivers are to blame. Specifically, car crashes often occur due to the following:
- Speeding drivers who don't slow down and cause rear-end collisions or pedestrian accidents.
- Distracted drivers, including texting drivers, don't adjust their driving when wet leaves are on the road or it's dark outside.
- Tired drivers affected by shorter days (and longer nights).
- Drunk drivers or drivers under the influence of drugs.
How can a Maine car accident attorney help?
You might think you don't need a lawyer to recover your losses if another driver caused your collision. But it's important to understand that Maine has an at-fault car insurance system. That means the at-fault party— and by extension, their auto insurance company—is responsible for all injury-related expenses.
But unfortunately, insurance companies often do everything they can to dismiss injury claims and pay accident victims as little as possible or nothing at all.
We know what's at stake at the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein. That's why our Maine car accident lawyers want to help you. We know how to investigate accidents and build strong legal cases designed to succeed. We know how to negotiate with insurance companies and maximize injury claims. And we know what it takes to win in Maine. That's because we've been working for Maine people since 1974.
Get the law firm that gets results. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation to discover how a Maine car accident attorney can put your best interests first and fight for the compensation you deserve. We have seven offices conveniently located throughout Maine and offer legal representation to our clients on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fees unless we secure a financial settlement or verdict for you.
