Home » Women's Interest Articles » Weather, Wild Animals Major Contributors to Car Accidents in the Fall
Weather, Wild Animals Major Contributors to Car Accidents in the Fall
Are you familiar with the roadway threats you are likely to face in October, November and December?
November 12, 2011 /Womens Interest PR News/ -- During every time of the year, Mother Nature always has a few challenges in store for drivers caught unaware. With November well underway and December rapidly approaching, drivers should be aware of two seasonal roadway threats that are particularly prevalent in Upstate New York.
Hazardous Late Autumn Weather
The swirling snows of January and February get much of the attention when it comes to weather-related driving concerns. But, as proven by the powerful snowstorm that rocked the American Northeast in late October of 2011, the onset of winter driving conditions can come about earlier than expected.
Additionally, snow is not the only weather condition that can be alarming to New York drivers. Rain may also make roads slick, and late fall showers present special problems: freezing temperatures can quickly turn even a light drizzle into a deadly event. Slippery pavement was a factor in almost one out of every ten New York auto accidents in 2010.
Storms involving heavy winds can also result in tree branches and other debris on the road. A New York car accident report from the state Department of Motor Vehicles listed such obstructions as a factor in more than 2,000 crashes in 2010.
Deer and Other Animals on Upstate New York Roads
The deer population in New York State is estimated at just fewer than one million. Of course, animal-related car accidents can occur anywhere at any time of year. However, the peak period for deer-vehicle collisions is October through December, and motorists outside of densely-populated city areas are always more likely to encounter wild animals on the road.
So why is the fall a dangerous time of year in terms of automobile collisions with deer? The deer rut, or annual breeding season, typically peaks each November, and spills over into October and December as well. During the rut, deer are more active and less cautious. Almost two-thirds of annual deer-vehicle collisions occur in October, November or December, with the majority of accidents occurring close to dawn or dusk. Every year, there are more than 1.5 million crashes involving deer in the United States, which cause over $1 billion in damage as well as numerous injuries and deaths.
Although deer are the largest and most prevalent animal threat to New York drivers, any type of wild animal or even a pet near or on the road can contribute to an accident (for instance, when a driver swerves to avoid hitting an animal). In 2010, an animal's action was reported as a contributing factor in 22,445 motor vehicle accidents, or 8.7 percent of all New York traffic accidents.
Human Factors
Even when factors that are generally out of a driver's control, like the weather and animal actions, contribute to a crash, motorists may still bear at least partial responsibility. Perhaps a driver responded incorrectly to an environmental threat, or was not exercising the appropriate level of caution given the time and place in which they were driving. If you have been injured in any type of car accident, contact a New York auto accident lawyer to determine the amount of compensation you may be entitled to from another driver, some other responsible party or an insurer.
Article provided by O'Connor, O'Connor, Bresee & First, P.C.
Visit us at www.upstatenyautoaccidentinjurylaw.com
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