As the fall season approaches, driving conditions will change as well. When you get ready to hit the road, you need to prepare for some unique seasonal hazards. Keep these important driving tips in mind so you can stay safe when you’re driving this fall.
Leaves on the Road
The colorful leaves look beautiful on the trees, but then they begin to fall and cause problems on the road. Leaves can hide damaging potholes or cover the lane markings. If you’re driving on an unfamiliar road covered with leaves, be sure you take your time. When leaves get wet, they can become very slippery and cause issues with braking and accelerating. To stay safe, drive over wet leaves exactly like you would drive over ice — keep your speed down and brake slowly.
Freezing Conditions
Colder overnight temperatures during fall can mean icy spots on bridges. Since cold air surrounds a bridge from above and below, it has no way to trap heat, and it loses its heat from both sides. This means bridges will quickly begin to develop a layer of ice as soon as the temperature gets below freezing. If you typically drive over a bridge during your commute, make sure you slow down before actually crossing the bridge. Also, be on the lookout for overpasses or shaded spots on the road where ice can form.
Increased Wildlife Activity
Many animals become more active in the fall as they prepare for winter, especially the whitetail deer. Almost half of all vehicle accidents involving deer happen between October and December. Biologists believe there are two reasons for this. First, mating season occurs during these three months, which makes deer more active and more inclined to roam. Second, November is the beginning of hunting season in many communities. That means spooked deer are more likely to run out of the woods and onto roadways.
Changing Weather
Fall is known for its unpredictable weather. One day it might be warm and sunny, and the next day you’re scraping frost off your windshield. It’s important to remember that wet evenings could lead to icy road conditions the next morning. Fog is also a common weather condition during fall. If you find yourself driving through fog, keep your speed down and use your low beams instead of the high beams to avoid glare bouncing back from the fog.
Shorter Days
In addition to changing weather conditions, fall also means shorter days. While you might be used to wearing your sunglasses driving to and from work in the summer, fall means you now have to turn on your headlights to see and be seen. The decreasing daylight hours can also mean it’s harder to spot hazards on the road. When you’re driving in these darker conditions, make sure you’re extra observant of the roadside so you can see any pedestrians or animals.
Even though fall has its own set of driving challenges, you can safely hit the road this season when you keep these important driving tips in mind.
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