Research: Fall is the most dangerous season for drivers

Fall equinox starts on Saturday at 11:50 a.m. for those who will be in the state of Washington. It will bring shorter days and longer nights, which means the roadways will be more dangerous, according to CARFAX research.

“Statistics tell us that drivers are twice as likely to get in an accident in the dark as they are in daylight,” CARFAX Editor-in-Chief Patrick Olsen told KIRO Newsradio. “Particularly when we get to the fallback weekend, and you go from driving home in twilight or dusk, and then all of a sudden you’re in pitch black — it’s a whole new world.”

One key reason is drivers are disoriented by the sudden change.

Olsen also pointed out that it’s deer mating season and that means more of them will be around roadways drivers use frequently.

“Secondly, in a lot of places in the country, it’s deer mating season and more deer are near the roadway,” Olsen added. “Add that to the time change, and now you’ve got deer jumping in front of you in the dark. And so that’s an issue. And then finally, there are a lot of storms in the fall and that can coat the roadways with wet leaves. They are as slippery as ice. It takes a car normally, on a dry road, about 80 feet to stop from a highway speed. If you hit wet leaves, it can take you up to 200 feet to stop. So all these factors combined make fall kind of a dangerous time of the year.”

More on dangerous driving: Deer-hitting season is in full effect throughout Washington

CARFAX, which bills itself a company that helps people “confidently shop, buy, service and sell used cars with innovative solutions,” listed the following tips to help drivers stay safe:

• Check tire pressure monthly: It’s getting cooler in the morning and that can cause tires to lose air. Drivers should make sure all tires have the same pressure.
• Winter tires: Cold weather can harden standard tires. Drivers should make sure the tires on their vehicles can handle the environment they live in — especially if there is a plan on traveling to the Cascades this winter.
• Check the battery: It’s possible cold weather can lower a battery’s power. If drivers sense a car’s battery is weak, they should replace it.
• Check wiper and fluid levels: Rainy season is coming and the last thing drivers should want is a dirty windshield. Drivers should carry an extra bottle of fluid in their vehicle.
• Check wiper blades: If the rubber is cracked and it’s scraping your windshield, it’s time to get new ones. CARFAX advises drivers to wipe their blades with Windex.
• Pack a winter survival kit: KIRO Newsradio has been saying this for years. Pack a car charger, blankets, water, snacks, tools and first-aid supplies. Hide it in the trunk.

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