With Halloween just around the corner, many of us are looking over our shoulders for ghosts, ghouls and horror movie villains. We imagine Ghostface, Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees lurking in the shadows — but this season’s deadliest killer doesn’t wear a mask. 

Every October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports a spike in motor-vehicle fatalities. Discover why October is known for deadly car accidents, how to stay safe and when you need to pursue a car crash lawsuit.

Why is driving dangerous in October? 

We see a lot of wrongful death car accident cases in October — but why is there an uptick? 

Several seasonal hazards make the roads more unpredictable and increase the chance of a car accident lawsuit. Our auto accident attorneys near you often see the following reasons cited:

Reduced Daylight 

In October, the days grow shorter and sunsets come sooner. Commutes that were once bright and sunny are now spent in complete darkness. 

Motorists must navigate with limited sight lines, headlight glare and low-light conditions. At the same time, darkness naturally encourages the brain to release melatonin — making motorists groggy and slow to respond to hazards. 

Changing Conditions 

October ushers in new weather conditions that impact road safety, including: 

• Lower temperatures. Cooler weather isn’t a problem on its own, but it may reduce tire pressure. This increases the risk of blowouts and poor handling— both of which can cause an accident. 
• Rain. Fall brings regional weather fronts that cause longer, steady rainstorms. Rain creates slick roads, poor visibility and a higher risk of a car accident lawsuit.
• Fog. Longer nights and cooler temperatures create the perfect conditions for fog, which reduces overall visibility during morning commutes. 

Wildlife Activity 

Throughout fall, you’ll see more critters emerge between dusk and dawn. Raccoons, squirrels and other small mammals will be searching for food to store before winter. Deer will be searching for a mate. 

Unfortunately, motorists often don’t see these animals on or near the road until it’s too late. Though not eligible for car crash lawsuits, accidents with animals cause an estimated 1.65 million insurance claims each year. 

Trick or Treating 

On October 31, roughly 35 million children take to the streets in search of candy. More pedestrians, limited visibility and unpredictable movements make Halloween one of the most dangerous nights of the year for both pedestrians and motorists. 

When compared to any other night, the risk of pedestrian fatalities is 43% higher on Halloween between 5:00 PM and midnight.

Human Factors 

We can’t always blame the weather or call a crash an “act of god.” Wrongful death from a car crash is the direct result of negligent acts, such as: 

• Distracted driving. Motorists may engage in activities that take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel or mind off driving.
• Impaired driving. Motorists may get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, medications or illegal drugs. 
• Traffic violations. Motorists may choose to defy traffic laws by speeding, running red lights, failing to signal or tailgating. 

How can I protect myself this October?

The only thing you can control on the road is yourself. Small precautions might be the difference between arriving safely and needing to pursue a car crash lawsuit.

As auto accident attorneys near you, we recommend that you: 

• Buckle up. Wearing your seat belt can save your life. Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and the lap belt across your hips.
• Plan ahead. Thinking ahead can help you eliminate distractions. Before you start your engine, turn on all features you may need, stow your phone and focus on the road. 
• Be mindful. Awareness can help you avoid a car accident lawsuit. Pay attention to traffic laws, scan your surroundings and signal your intentions to other drivers. 
• Keep your distance. The right amount of space creates time to escape an accident. Keep a three-second following distance behind the car in front of you. Increase the distance during bad weather.
• Slow down. When in doubt, slow down. Drive more slowly to give yourself more time to react to hazards and regain control.

When do I need to consult a lawyer about a car crash lawsuit? 

You can take all the precautions in the world, and someone else can still cause a crash that changes your life. Maybe you or a loved one was severely injured. Or maybe your loved one lost their life. If you received substantial injuries and suspect negligence played a role, your best next step is searching for auto accident attorneys near you. 

Roman & Boock delivers 100 years of combined experience in personal injury matters. Our attorneys have successfully litigated wrongful death, car accident and trucking accident cases — all to help victims across Missouri and Illinois rise above their injuries. 

To start your car crash lawsuit, contact our team online or over the phone at 314.754.1500.