Fall brings plenty of things to look forward to: cooler temperatures, football season, colorful leaves and crisp mornings. But along with the changing scenery comes changing road conditions.
Rain, wet leaves, increased deer activity, shorter days and morning fog can all create additional hazards for drivers. As you head out this fall, keep these five common road dangers in mind and take a little extra time to stay safe behind the wheel.
1. Rain & Wet Leaves
Cooler temperatures and more frequent rain can make roads slippery and reduce your tires’ ability to maintain traction. Wet leaves can be especially dangerous, creating a slick surface that can make it harder to stop or maintain control.
Always slow down and leave extra following distance when driving on wet roads. Fall is also a good time to check your tire tread before winter weather arrives. A simple way to check is to place a penny into your tire tread with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tires may be too worn and should be inspected by a professional.
Worn tires and wet roads can increase the risk of hydroplaning. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, ease your foot off the accelerator, keep both hands on the wheel and make calm, gradual steering adjustments.
2. Deer Collisions
Fall is prime time for deer activity, particularly from October through January. Deer are especially active around dawn and dusk, which can make collisions more difficult to avoid.
Watch for deer crossing signs and scan the sides of the road as you drive. If you see one deer, keep an eye out for others, as deer often travel in groups. Use your high beams when appropriate and when there is no oncoming traffic to improve visibility.
Taking a few extra precautions during peak deer season can help reduce your chances of a collision.
3. Back-to-School Traffic
As students return to school, roads become busier with school buses, parents dropping off children, pedestrians and young drivers.
Slow down in school zones and residential neighborhoods, and pay close attention to crosswalks and school bus stops. Follow posted speed limits and school drop-off and pickup procedures.
If possible, consider taking an alternate route during the busiest times of the school day. A few extra minutes on your commute may help you avoid unnecessary traffic and distractions.
4. Shorter Days & Sun Glare
As the days get shorter, drivers spend more time commuting in darkness. Low sun during sunrise and sunset can also create significant glare, making it difficult to see vehicles, pedestrians and objects in the road.
Keep your windshield clean, use your vehicle’s sun visor and wear sunglasses when appropriate to help reduce glare. At dawn and dusk, make sure your headlights are on and give yourself plenty of following distance.
When driving at night, stay alert and watch carefully for pedestrians, cyclists, animals and other hazards that may be harder to see.
5. Fog
Cool fall mornings can bring fog, particularly in areas near water, low-lying areas and wooded surroundings. Fog can dramatically reduce visibility and make it harder to judge distances.
One common mistake is using high beams in fog. High beams can reflect off the moisture in the air and actually make it more difficult to see.
Instead, use your low beams, slow down and increase the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. If visibility becomes extremely limited, consider pulling over somewhere safe until conditions improve.
Stay Alert This Fall
Fall driving comes with its own set of challenges, but a little extra awareness can go a long way. Slow down when road conditions change, give yourself plenty of stopping distance and stay focused on what’s happening around you.
From wet leaves to wandering deer, fall has plenty of surprises waiting on the road. Take your time, stay alert and make safety part of your fall driving routine.
