Personal Injury Law Blog

For many Chicagoans, autumn brings a sense of relief and renewal. Temperatures drop from the muggy highs of summer. Kids head back to school, starting a new year of learning adventures within a familiar routine.

Yet autumn can also be one of the riskiest seasons for driving on Illinois roads. School traffic, shorter daylight hours, restless wildlife, inclement weather, and other hazards can increase the risk of a crash. Here are some common autumn hazards to watch out for while driving in and near Chicago. 

School Traffic, Pedestrians, and Bicyclists

Traffic patterns change when schools are back in session. More cars may be on the roads in the hour before and after schools begin their day. School buses travel throughout Chicago and surrounding communities, picking up students. Near schools, traffic can be heavy, and children may walk or bicycle on or near roads.

To reduce injury risks, slow down in the mornings. Always be prepared to stop when a school bus’s lights appear. Travel with extra caution in school zones, or find an alternative route around these areas. 

Shorter Daylight Hours and Time Changes

Fall means shorter days. The first weekend in November also marks the end of Daylight Saving Time, which changes the morning daylight patterns many people become used to over the summer. These changes can shorten sleep, make it dark when heading home, or make Chicago drivers travel while looking into the sunrise. 

To address these risks, plan ahead for the end of Daylight Saving Time. Make sure you get plenty of sleep, so you’re ready to handle the time change. Watch closely when traveling in the early morning or late evening hours to help yourself spot wildlife, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road hazards. 

Deer and Other Wildlife

Deer are a common sight on Illinois roads. In 2023, the Illinois Department of Transportation reported 14,840 vehicle crashes involving deer, including 14 fatal and injury-causing crashes in urban areas. Most collisions occurred in darkness. In total, eight people died and 753 suffered injuries in deer-related crashes in Illinois in 2023.

Deer are more active in the fall. Autumn is mating season for deer, so a deer that might pay closer attention to traffic at other times of year may instead dart into the road in fall. Deer also range further in the fall in search of food and shelter, which can bring them into more frequent contact with roads and cars. 

Deer aren’t the only wildlife that can trigger a crash. In urban areas, smaller animals like raccoons and even family pets may dart into the road, causing a driver to swerve. Keep a close eye out for deer and other wildlife, especially when driving at night or during dawn and dusk, when many animals, including deer, are most active.

Weather, Falling Leaves, and Other Environmental Risks

In many states, crash rates spike in the autumn months. Many of these collisions are connected to changes in the weather and other environmental risks. 

For example, the Great Lakes states are usually well-prepared for snow. Longtime drivers in Illinois and neighboring states, especially those near Lake Michigan, are accustomed to preparing for icy and snowy road conditions. 

However, fewer drivers are ready for the dangers posed by leaves collecting on the roads. Falling leaves can be as slippery as ice, especially when they are wet. Add rain, snow, or ice to the mix, and cars may be unable to stop in time to prevent a crash unless drivers are taking care to control their vehicles. 

Fall and winter holidays also increase the risk of drunk driving accidents. In 2023, Thanksgiving was the deadliest holiday on Illinois roads for DUI crashes. Six people died in alcohol-related collisions over the Thanksgiving weekend in 2023 – more than Christmas and New Year’s combined. 

Drivers can mitigate these risks by allowing themselves more time to travel, especially in wet or snowy conditions. If you think you might drink while you’re out, make plans for a sober ride home – whether that’s riding with a designated driver, calling a cab or rideshare service, or taking public transportation. 

What To Do If You’re in a Chicago Car Accident This Fall

If you or someone you love is injured in a Chicago area car accident this fall, speak to an experienced lawyer. The team at Briskman, Briskman & Greenberg has experience helping our clients secure the compensation they need after a vehicle crash. To learn more, reach out to us today to schedule a consultation with one of our Chicago car accident injury lawyers.