Tips for Driving Safely in the Fall
Autumn brings crisp mornings, a kaleidoscope of colors, and the start of sweater weather. And along with this enchanting season comes a new set of changing road conditions and challenges.
Driving safely in the fall is essential, and being aware of the potential hazards can keep you prepared beforehand.
In this Shop Talk, we explore some of the foremost fall driving safety tips, allowing you to savor the splendid autumn while prioritizing safety.
Be Prepared for Transitioning Weather
Autumn weather is unpredictable and can go from cheerfully sunny to somberly rainy on a dime.
Understanding the potential for hydroplaning in excessive water is paramount. Hydroplaning poses the risk of losing control of a vehicle when tires encounter a layer of water on the road, leading to reduced traction and steering ability.
As such, it’s essential to slow down and avoid accelerating on roads with a lot of water. Also, avoid driving at high speeds if it’s raining.
Check your wipers and top up on windshield wiper fluid. As temperatures fall at night, it’s usually better to use winter washer fluid instead.
Steer Clear of Slippery Leaves
While autumn leaves exhibit stunning beauty, they pose a driving safety hazard.
The foliage often covers the roads as the wind blows. Even a pile of fallen leaves is potentially dangerous as it can obstruct traffic lines and hide road signs or dangers like potholes and road bumps.
Be careful not to drive on wet leaves; they can be as slippery as ice and can reduce your car’s traction.
Always drive slowly and cautiously while keeping a safe following distance, especially in the presence of leaves.
Beware of Sun Glare
One of the most useful fall driving safety tips is to keep your sunglasses nearby.
In the fall, the days are shorter as the sun moves closer to the horizon. This leads to increased glare, especially at sunrise and sunset.
The sun can be blindingly distracting when glare is at its peak. It can also reflect off other cars and windows at low angles, making driving or turning properly tricky.
Keep your windshield clean from the inside out to avoid visibility issues. If you encounter the sun's blinding glare while driving, use your visor and don a pair of sunglasses.
Defog and Defrost
During autumn, the cool temperature at night brings chilly mornings accompanied by fog and frost. These conditions can affect pavement friction and distort your driving visibility and perception of distance.
To practice safe driving in this weather, you should keep a few tips in mind:
- Always keep an ice remover or snow broom in your car.
- Keep your headlights illuminated even in daylight when there is fog. If available, use fog lights, as they emit a lower, road-focused beam of light.
- Make it a habit to defog and clear your windows before starting your journey.
- Be aware of frost covering the roads, especially on bridges and shaded spots.
- Drive at a safe distance from other vehicles on the road.
- And, of course, keep your defrosters and wipers in working order.
Be Mindful of Children
As school sessions start again, the roads will get busier. Observing the designated speed limit and remaining attentive on the road are essential aspects of fall driving safety.
Watch out for school buses, children, and pedestrians. Keep in mind that children often like playing amidst piles of leaves during fall. Plus, with the approaching Halloween season, trick-or-treaters will soon be out and about.
Being vigilant is necessary at all times.
Watch Out for Deer
The fall mating season — usually from late September to December — increases deer activity on the roads. As a result, it’s best to look out for deer darting across the highway while driving, especially at dusk or dawn. Remember that where one deer appears, others often follow, as they tend to move in groups.
Pay attention to deer crossing signs. Slow down and proceed with caution. Be extra watchful, especially in the mornings and evenings when wildlife is most active.
Taking extra care in avoiding potentially hazardous encounters with deer ensures driving safety and contributes to preserving these animals.
Darkness
As the weather shifts, daylight decreases, leading to extended periods of darkness. The absence of natural light can affect depth perception and visibility, concealing hazards like potholes or wet patches on the road.
Darkness can also trigger feelings of drowsiness, particularly on long stretches of road. Drowsy driving is a severe risk, as it can lead to impaired concentration on the road.
Numerous related hazards indicate the importance of operating your headlights at their best. If your lights appear dim or you've owned your car for several years without changing the bulbs, it's advisable to replace them.
During low-light conditions, minimize distractions, such as using phones, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other activities that take your focus off the road.
Prep Your Car for Winter
The colder season is coming; now is the time to winterize your car.
Car tires naturally expand and contract based on temperature changes. Monitor your tire pressure regularly and keep them inflated at the recommended level. To determine the appropriate pressure for your tires, consult your car’s owner's manual.
Here are some maintenance guidelines to remember:
- Check all the headlights, illuminators, turn signals, and tail lights on your vehicle and ensure they are working and are correctly aligned.
- Test your car’s wipers and replace the blades if worn down.
- Make sure your heating and defrosting systems are in their best condition.
- Double-check your car insurance for added peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Autumn bestows its majestic beauty upon us, yet it introduces additional challenges for drivers.
To navigate these hurdles, don’t forget to adopt safe driving protocols for the dark, factor in morning frost and fallen leaves during your travels, and exercise caution for wildlife crossings.
Embracing these measures will allow you to fully appreciate the picturesque surroundings while effectively addressing the distinct risks and pressures of fall driving.