Fall is now in full swing, which means the end of the rainy season and the heart of the fall semester for Houston-area college students. Be mindful of both of these factors that contribute to October being one of the worst months for car crash fatalities, according to the NHTSA. Be prepared with these helpful tips.

The Rainy Season

The rainy season in Houston winds down towards the beginning of fall, but that does not mean accidents due to bad weather decrease. In fact, the most extreme weather of the year can hit in September and October in Houston. Flooding and hurricanes are always a possibility this time of year, so it’s important to stay prepared.

If rain is heavy, think about which routes you might normally take to your destination. A hilly residential street may have large puddles of water pooling at the troughs between hills. Driving through an area like this increases the risk of hydroplaning and can cause issues for your car if the water is deep enough.

Generally, the highway has a decreased risk of flooding, so consider using that to travel to your destination. Additionally, we may see some cold nights and mornings this month. Check your car’s thermometer to see if wet roads made be icy.

If you see a temperature below 32 degrees, drive slowly to ensure you can brake safely, especially because Houston-area drivers are not accustomed to driving on icy roads.

College Season

Houston has over 300,000 students enrolled in one of the 14 major institutes of higher education in the city. It’s a great source of pride for the city, but demographics show that college students are one of the most high-risk groups for auto accidents. If you drive in the area around a local college, be aware that walking students aren’t always the best at following pedestrian traffic rules.

Texting and walking and texting while biking or driving are much more common among college students, so be cautious on the road. Often a lot of pedestrians and bikers can be dangerous, so drive slowly through these areas.

Lastly, college students have a higher rate of use of alcohol and other drugs. Especially, at night when college parties are out, there may be more drunk drivers on the road. Any amount of alcohol increases your risk of an accident. Use a rideshare app or a designated sober driver.

The reason it’s important to be prepared for changes in seasonal driving conditions is so you can feel safe on the roads and enjoy the great parts about the season, like football and the end of summer mugginess.

If you are ever involved in a car crash, reach out to our Houston car accident lawyers for a free case review. Give us a call at (888) 273-1045.