Driving in the fall can sometimes be unpredictable because of the weather changes. To help drive safe on the roads, you can follow a few guidelines of what to be aware of. This can help provide a safe and reliable to you and your passengers when you travel.
Watch out for leaves
It may not seem like an issue, but once leaves become wet, the can present a slippery driving surface. Be sure to watch for patches of wet leaves on the road when you travel, especially in town. If you need to slam on the brakes, it may take longer to stop if wet leaves are covering the surface.
Stay awake and alert while driving
It is important to adjust habits when driving at night. Since visibility is lower, be extra cautious where pedestrians, cyclists, or others may be less visible. You will also want to keep an eye out for any deer or wildlife that may cross onto the road. Staying alert when driving can help provide a safe ride as you travel at night.
Check the air pressure of the tires
With temperature changes, the tires will expand and contract. This leads to a loss in air pressure for the tires. Check the air pressure regularly to ensure the tires are properly inflated. Also make sure to check the tread on the tires to ensure there is an adequate amount that is needed.
Avoid any glare
Depending on the time of day, you may need to adjust to the glare from the sun. The glare form the sun can cause reflections off of car windows and hoods. This may lead to a decrease in visibility as you drive. If you have a glare off of other headlights when you drive, make sure to have the rearview mirror at a night setting so it can help prevent this.
Plan for wet conditions of the road
If the roads become wet from precipitation, it requires you to be aware and drive slowly. This is because there is usually a decrease in visibility when it rains, sleets, or snows. Also, if the road has standing water, it could lead to hydroplaning. If the road has excessive water, make sure to slow down and avoid any sudden movements with the steering wheel or brake pedal. If is an heavy downpour where it is difficult to see, it is recommended to pull off the road until it is safe to continue on.
Use the low beams if there is fog
When driving in the fog, try to avoid the high beams. Using the high beams will reflect off the fog and create a white wall effect. It is best if you use the low beams when traveling in fog. These beams are designed to aim the light down toward the roadway. Also reduce the speed you are traveling. Fog can create an illusion of slow motion when you actually might be speeding. If the fog becomes extremely dense, use the lines for the lanes to guide you and help you stay in your lane.
Watch for wildlife
While driving, day or night, always keep an eye out for deer and other animals that may cross the road. Deer are more likely to run across the roadway, especially at dawn and dusk in the fall. If you see a deer on the road or on the side of the road, proceed very slowly and cautiously. This is because typically deer will often travel in groups. Hitting a deer can cause significant damage to your vehicle, depending where the contact is.