7 Safety Tips for Fall Driving

Fall brings crisp morning air and beautiful colors, but it also brings its share of driving challenges. Autumn months are cooler in many places and temperatures tend to drop significantly at night. As the seasons change, there are also changes to road conditions. It’s important to know fall driving tips so you can prepare for the changes of the season.

Read on to learn how to identify fall hazards and potential driving challenges. Here are seven fall driving safety tips:

1. Keep Your Vehicle Maintained

Maintaining your vehicle is crucial, especially as the fall season sets in. Here’s what you need to consider:

Regular Checkups – Schedule regular checkups for your vehicle. Fall weather can be unpredictable, and having well-maintained brakes and tires can be a lifesaver.

Tire Tread and Pressure – Make sure your car tires have adequate tread depth and are properly inflated. This is vital for maintaining traction, especially on wet or slippery roads.

Replace Worn-out Wipers – Fall brings increased rainfall, and you’ll want your windshield wipers in top condition. Replace worn-out wipers to maintain clear visibility.

Check Your Lights – Days get shorter in the fall, meaning you’ll be using your headlights more often. Check all your lights, including brake lights and turn signals, to make sure they are working correctly.

Most cars require routine maintenance every 5,000 miles or 6 months. Ensure you check your:

• Tire air pressure
• Wiper blades
• Air filters
• Car fluid levels
• The vehicle’s headlights and tail lights
• Brakes
• Battery

2. Be Aware of the Weather Changes

As the weather cools down, precipitation increases. Overnight temperatures drop quickly and can result in frosty mornings. Fall weather can change rapidly, from sunny and clear to rainy and foggy. Rain, snow, ice, morning frost, and fog can make driving conditions hazardous. 

Stay prepared with these driving tips:

• Before heading out, check weather forecasts. 
• Always have an emergency kit in your car. Include essentials like blankets, water, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit.
• In rain, reduce your speed and increase your following distance. 
• In fog, use low-beam headlights to improve visibility, and avoid using high beams as they can create glare.

3. Be Careful Driving on Leaves

Falling leaves might seem harmless, but they can create hazardous driving conditions. Fallen leaves can obscure traffic lines, and pavement markings, and can cover potholes, making it difficult to spot driving hazards. Wet leaves can make roads slippery, making it easier to lose control of your vehicle.

Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice. Drive cautiously over them, avoiding sudden accelerations or sharp turns, which could cause you to lose control. Leaf piles can obscure hazards like curbs or potholes so it’s best to avoid driving through a large leaf pile. Additionally, if you can, clear leaves from your own driveway and the street in front of your house. This not only keeps your area safe but also contributes to the overall safety of your neighborhood.

4. Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses might not be the first thing you think of in the fall, but they are essential. Because the sun is at a lower angle in the fall, there is more sun glare near morning and evening. Polarized sunglasses can significantly reduce this glare, improving visibility. It’s crucial to wear sunglasses to shield your eyes so you can better focus on the road. Sunglasses protect your eyes from debris, bugs, and sudden gusts of wind, ensuring you can always focus on the road.

5. Limit Nighttime Driving

Fall means longer nights, so it’s important to be cautious when driving after dark. Nighttime driving is more dangerous about 50% of traffic deaths occur at night. When daylight savings time ends, it gets darker much sooner. It’s crucial to use headlights and lower your speed at night because visibility is much lower. 

Nights in fall can be exceptionally dark due to overcast skies and early sunsets. Limited visibility can make it difficult to see pedestrians, animals, or obstacles on the road. With the days getting shorter, you might find yourself driving in the dark when you’re usually winding down. Be aware of signs of fatigue, such as yawning or heavy eyelids, and avoid driving if you’re feeling drowsy.

6. Exercise Caution Around Schools

Children are back in school and it’s vital to slow down and drive extra cautiously around school buses and school zones. Always adhere to the posted speed limit in a school zone, and be prepared to stop suddenly, if necessary.

Exercise extra caution, especially in school zones:

Obey Speed Limits – School zones often have reduced speed limits. Obey these limits diligently, and be prepared to stop suddenly, as children might dart into the road unexpectedly.

Look for Crossing Guards – Many busy intersections near schools have crossing guards. Always follow their instructions, and never attempt to pass a vehicle that has stopped for them.

Avoid Distractions – Put away your phone and other distractions while driving through school zones. Children can be unpredictable, and it only takes a moment for a situation to become dangerous.

7. Watch Out for Animals

Fall is mating and migration season for many animals, leading to increased wildlife activity near roads. Take extra caution and focus on slowing down, not swerving. Here are some key driving tips:

Deer Crossing Signs – November is deer mating season and auto accidents with animals rise significantly in fall. People are 3.5 times more likely to hit an animal such as a deer in autumn. Be particularly cautious near wooded areas and water sources where animals are likely to cross. One deer is usually followed by a herd. Slow down and watch for any movement near the road.

Use High Beams – When driving in rural or wooded areas at night, use your high beams to increase your visibility. However, be mindful of other drivers and switch to low beams when a car approaches from the opposite direction.

Avoid Swerving – If an animal suddenly appears in your path, resist the urge to swerve. Instead, brake firmly and honk your horn to alert the animal. Swerving can lead to losing control of your vehicle and cause a more serious accident.

Were You Injured in a Car Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, consult with a legal expert. They can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for medical expenses, vehicle damage, and other losses.

Car accidents can happen to even the most careful drivers, so it’s essential to know the proper steps to take if you find yourself in such a situation. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you investigate the incident, collect evidence, talk to witnesses, file your claim, and deal with the insurance companies.

We Represent Auto Accident Victims

In times of unforeseen accidents, legal support is crucial. Our dedicated team at Alpha Accident Lawyers is here to help. With expertise in handling auto accident cases, we stand beside victims, ensuring their rights are protected and justice prevails.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by another person, know that you don’t have to face it alone. Our car accident attorneys represent auto accident victims, providing compassionate assistance and unwavering legal advocacy every step of the way.
 
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