Fall Driving Hazards – Tips for Avoiding Accidents
Wet Roads
With the fall season comes a higher chance of rainfall, which means wetter roads. Before getting out on the road, be mindful of how driving habits should change during this time. It’s important to slow down. Wet roads reduce traction, making it easier to lose control. Reduce your speed to give yourself more time to react to sudden changes, such as a car braking suddenly ahead of you. Also, be sure to drive around puddles. Hitting deep water can cause hydroplaning, where your tires lose contact with the road. If this happens, however, take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want. Slamming on the brakes can cause further loss of control, so avoid this at all costs.
Besides being aware of driving habits you might need to change because of wet roads, you should also be aware of these couple of maintenance tips for your vehicle:
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- Check Headlights: Be sure your headlights are working and don’t need to be replaced. You will use your headlights more often, even during the day, once it becomes more gloomy and rainy, to increase your visibility to other drivers and help you see the road better.
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- Check Windshield Wipers: Of course, you need to check your windshield wipers and have them replaced if there is any sign of wear and tear, such as splitting
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- Check Tires: Finally, be sure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread. Good tires provide better grip on wet roads.
Falling Leaves
You might not think anything of the falling leaves during this time. However, they create more of a driving hazard than you might think. Falling leaves can be as slippery as ice. You don’t want to drive through any piles of leaves on the road. For this reason, consider keeping your driveway clear of fallen leaves and keep yourself in lanes free of leaves as much as possible. During the fall season, you want to be aware that more leaves will be blowing around on windy days. Your windshield wipers need to be working well for these situations, as well.
Busy Highways
The highways become busier during this time of year because of holidays and back-to-school traffic. Be aware of peak travel times and plan your trips to avoid the heaviest traffic if possible. If you must travel during busier times on the roads, do your best to stay alert by not eating, drinking, or being on your phone while driving. An important issue that can be avoided is the increased risk of being involved in a car accident with a drunk driver. During holidays, especially, there is an increase in intoxicated drivers on the road. Being alert will warn you when someone like this might be on the road. You should avoid being around them and alert authorities when you pull over to let them move far ahead of you.
Being aware of what hazardous conditions you might face on the roads during the approaching fall season will definitely make you a more proficient driver and help you avoid potential accidents.
