Did you know that fall is the most dangerous season of the year for driving on Virginia roads? In addition, roughly 75% of the roads across the state are rural. Millions of Virginians travel these roads daily. Between 2012 and 2022, 8,034 people were killed in crashes on Virginia roadways. Of those deaths, 10% occurred in October, making it statistically the most dangerous month of the year for crash fatalities.
September and November bring their own unique challenges for Virginia drivers and car insurance. With summer in the rearview mirror and kids back to school, roadways become more dangerous due to increased activity, seasonal changes, and changes in routine. The most serious threats to driving safety, such as speeding, aggressive driving, and distracted driving, don't just jeopardize your safety, they also result in higher car insurance rates.
Let's count down the top fall dangers for Virginia drivers and help you be prepared. Number one might surprise you!
You know that dashboard light that seems to show up every fall. As temperatures drop, your tire pressure can drop too. Colder air causes the air inside your tires to contract, which can leave you with less traction and less predictable handling over time.
That is why fall is a smart time to stay on top of tire maintenance. Check your tire pressure regularly, inspect your tire tread, and replace worn tires before winter weather arrives. It is also wise to avoid abrupt movements or sharp turns if your tires are underinflated.
Cool mornings, warmer afternoons, and low-lying roads can make fall fog appear fast in Virginia. That means road conditions can change before you have much time to react.
When fog rolls in, slow down and leave more space between you and the car ahead. Use your low beams for better visibility, since high beams can reflect off moisture in the air and make it even harder to see.
Just when the fog lifts, another fall hazard can make it harder to see. As the days get shorter, the sun sits lower on the horizon and is more likely to shine directly into your windshield, especially around the end of daylight saving time. It can also reflect off buildings, windows, and other vehicles, creating sudden glare when you least expect it.
During these times of day, slow down and stay alert. Keeping a pair of sunglasses within easy reach can help you respond more safely when the sun becomes a problem. Even better, this is an opportune time to clean the inside of your windshield. That accumulation of dust, smudges, and smears is magnified when your windshield reflects bright light. Use that visor, too- it can quickly save you from a sudden glare!
Virginia often ranks among the higher-risk states for deer collisions, especially in the fall during rut season. From early October through late November, deer are more active and more likely to dart into the road without warning.
Drive carefully during this time of year and use these tips to help avoid a collision. Keep in mind that our comprehensive car insurance includes no-fault deer collision claims. If you are unable to avoid hitting a deer, we can help guide you through what to do if you do hit a deer and filing a claim.
There are practical things you can do to avoid a deer collision. Here's a short list:
And if you do hit a deer, we can guide you through the aftermath. You may report a claim online or call our Claims Hotline at 877-968-7252.
As fall goes on, Virginia drivers lose more daylight during the busiest parts of the day. The return to standard time can make early mornings and late afternoons feel darker faster, and that change can take some getting used to.
Lower visibility gives you less time to react and can increase stopping distances. According to the National Safety Council, half of all traffic fatalities happen at night. That is why it is wise to slow down, leave extra space, and give yourself a little more time on the road during the darker parts of the day.
Those early morning and evening hours also happen to be when deer are most active, which makes this fall hazard even more important to keep in mind.
Increased stopping distance matters just as much when you are driving on wet leaves, the #1 fall driving danger. If this is a surprise to you, this weather channel video gives you a good idea of how wet leaves combine with speed to make for the most dangerous of all fall driving:
The waxy surface of leaves keeps them from absorbing water, which can make the road slick, almost like ice. In a state like Virginia, where tree-lined roads are common, that can create a serious hazard when rain, fog, and fallen leaves all show up at once.
That combination can reduce traction and make it harder to brake safely. That is why it is best to slow down and maintain control before you reach patches of wet leaves, not while you are driving over them. Our car insurance claim experts also share additional tips for driving in the rain to help keep you and your family safe.
The single best way to avoid sliding on wet roadways covered in fall leaves is to slow down. Speed is a significant key factor in car accidents. Here are a few more safety tips:
While many factors can affect car insurance rates, there are still smart ways to save on auto insurance in Virginia. Safe driving habits can help protect you on the road and may also help keep your rates from rising. A little more caution this fall can go a long way toward keeping you safe.
Here are a few simple ways to lower your risk this fall:
Buckle up. Virginia has a history of ranking low for seat belt use compared with other states.
Slow down. More than 22,000 speed-related crashes were reported in Virginia in 2025.
Do not drive distracted. In 2025, distracted driving caused more than 17,000 crashes in Virginia.
Fall can bring serious driving risks in Virginia, from low tire pressure and fog to sun glare, deer activity, shorter daylight, and slick wet leaves. As these hazards become more common in autumn, practices like slowing down, leaving more space, staying alert, and preparing for changing conditions can reduce your risk of a dangerous car accident. It also reminds drivers that safe habits like buckling up, avoiding distractions, and driving cautiously may help reduce both crash risk and rising car insurance costs.
Sources:
https://www.carfax.com/accident-damage-report
https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/news/october-most-dangerous-month-virginia-roadways
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813615
https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/safety/crash-data/traffic-crash-facts
THE NORTHERN NECK INSURANCE INTEGRITY PROMISE — We pledge to provide straight talk and good counsel from our NNINS Virginia insurance experts through our blog. While we hope you find this to be a helpful source of information, it does not replace the guidance of a licensed insurance professional, nor does it modify the terms of your Northern Neck Insurance policy in any way. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy.