Statistics show that fall, not winter, is the most dangerous season for car crashes, according to CARFAX.

Data showed that in 39 states, Fall accounted for the highest percentage of accidents compared to all other seasons.

States that saw the most crashes in the Fall include California, Texas, New York, Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Missouri, and Wisconsin.

“Seasonal shifts can bring new risks on the road, making this a good time to slow down, stay alert, and check for maintenance or open recalls to ensure the safety of the vehicle and everyone on the road,” said Faisal Hasan, vice president of Data Acquisition at CARFAX.

Experts cite the following reasons for the increased risk of accidents during autumn:

Diminishing Daylight

With shorter days and more time spent driving in the dark, drivers are twice as likely to have an accident in the dark as they are in daylight.

About half of all U.S. accidents happen in the dark, despite fewer drivers out after dusk, according to the National Safety Council.

Less visibility also means slower reaction time.

Slick Surfaces

Tree debris and wet leaves on the roadway can pose a major risk.

Braking on wet leaves can make a car travel more than twice as far as braking on a dry road, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Deer Danger

More deer crashes occur in the last few months of the year, due to mating season and migration, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Winter remains hazardous, with the highest number of accidents in six states: Connecticut, Oklahoma, Vermont, New Hampshire, Montana, and North Dakota.

By comparison, Summer sees the most accidents in Hawaii, Washington, and Oregon, while in Pennsylvania and Florida, the most dangerous season is Spring.