Driving Tips in the Fall

Wet leaves, earlier sunsets, school zones, and Halloween. The seasonal hazards that cause Fall crashes.

As we get into the first couple of days of Fall, more people are on the road. This time of year brings cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, and some unique road hazards. Below are things to be mindful of this Fall.

Weather Changes

Winter may be known as the most dangerous time of the year, but Fall also presents many hazards. Rain, fog, and morning frost are common. In fact, the first ten minutes of light rain is the most dangerous, according to the NHTSA. Drive slow, adjust your lights, and keep a safe distance. Before hitting the road, get your brakes, tires, and wipers checked.

Darker Earlier

Sunset will arrive about an hour earlier. Some people have a tougher time driving when it is dark. Poor night vision can affect depth perception, and glare from sunset and oncoming headlights can compromise your vision.

School Is Back

Kids are back in school, so more school buses and children will be present. Slow down in all school zones and keep your head on a swivel. Watch out for children walking on the streets and getting on or off school buses.

Leaves on the Road

Fallen leaves will be everywhere. Rain and leaves are a bad combination because your tires cannot grip properly when driving on wet leaves. You risk going into a dangerous slide if you slam your brakes on a road covered in leaves, so slow down.

Halloween Time

Kids will hit the streets to get their sweets. Halloween is known to be a deadly night because of high rates of car-related accident deaths for children. At night, children wear dark-colored costumes and are very hard to spot. Drive slow and let the children enjoy the holiday.

By being mindful of these Fall hazards, you can stay safe on the road and enjoy this pleasant season.