Autumn is here and the weather and the environment is
changing quickly. Here are some tips on staying safe and aware while on the
road this fall.
Watch out for the leaves- Once leaves become wet, they can
present slippery and dangerous driving conditions. Be sure to watch for patches
of wet leaves on the road or on road lines. Dry leaves can also present a
problem to your vehicle. Avoid parking your vehicle near leaf piles to prevent
fires that could start from your vehicle’s catalytic converter.
Keep alert- The end of daylight saving time means reduced
visibility on the roads, which can create unfamiliar driving conditions. Even
on familiar roads, it’s important that motorists use additional caution and
adjust their driving habits to watch for pedestrians, cyclists and other
roadway users who will be less visible, especially during the first week of the
change.
Check tire pressure- With frequent weather and temperature
changes, tires can expand and contract, causing them to lose air pressure. Make
sure tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.
Sun Glare- With the change in time you may need to adjust to
the different morning or late afternoon glare from the sun. The glare can cause
reflections off car windows and hoods and decrease your visibility. Have a good
pair of sunglasses readily available to counter daytime glare, and consider
lenses with anti-reflective coating to reduce glare when night driving can’t be
avoided.
Pre-Plan for wet conditions- Fall often brings rainfall,
which can decrease visibility and cause hydroplaning. Make sure your windshield
wipers are in good working condition. If driving on a road with excess water,
slow down and avoid sudden movements with the steering wheel or brake pedal. If
you feel like you’re floating, steer straight and gently release the gas pedal
until you feel the tires make contact with the road surface. In an especially
heavy downpour you may want to pull off the road until it’s safe to continue.
Low beams for fog- When driving in fog, high beams will
reflect off the fog, creating a “white wall” effect, so set your headlight to
low beam. This setting aims the beam of light down toward the roadway. Also
reduce your speed and watch your speedometer. Fog creates a visual illusion of
slow motion when you may actually be speeding. If fog becomes really thick use
your road markers to guide you and help you to stay in your lane.