5 Ways You Can Stay Safe On The Road This Fall

Fall is the season to enjoy colorful leaves and smell delicious pumpkin pie, and it is the start of the holiday season. Yet, fall driving is also the season that brings a lot of risks on the road. So, how do you stay safe on the road this fall?

We’ve prepared a list of fall driving safety tips to help you stay safe on the road during the season.

Watch Out For Animals

Fall is deer mating season, and these animals are most active around dawn and dusk. To minimize the risk of a collision:

• Stay Alert: Drive particularly vigilantly between 6 PM and 9 PM, as this is when deer are most active.
• Respond Appropriately: Slow down gradually if you spot a deer on the road. Avoid swerving, as this can increase the risk of losing control or hitting another vehicle.

Be Cautious of Falling Leaves

The beauty of fall foliage can also pose driving hazards:

• Drive Slowly: Fallen leaves can obscure road markings and make surfaces slippery. Reduce your speed and approach areas with heavy leaf cover cautiously.
• Avoid Hard Braking: Wet leaves can significantly increase stopping distances. Instead, apply the brakes gently to maintain control.

Slow Down During Heavy Rainfalls

Autumn often brings heavy rains, which can create dangerous driving conditions:

• Maintain a Safe Distance: Leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you to account for longer stopping distances on wet roads.
• Slow Down: Oil and debris on the road surface can become slippery when wet. Reduce your speed and avoid abrupt maneuvers.

Check your tires

Proper tire maintenance is crucial for safe driving, significantly as temperatures drop:

• Inspect Tread Depth: Ensure your tires tread sufficiently to handle fall and winter conditions. Adequate tread provides better traction on wet and slippery surfaces.
• Monitor Air Pressure: Tire pressure decreases with temperature. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tires can lose 1 to 2 pounds of air pressure. Regularly check and adjust your tire pressure to prevent blowouts and ensure optimal performance.

Navigate Fog Safely

Foggy conditions can significantly impair visibility:

• Use Low Beams: High beams can create glare in foggy conditions, making visibility worse. Instead, use low beams and fog lights if your vehicle has them.
• Increase Following Distance: Maintain a greater distance from the vehicle ahead to give yourself more time to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions.

Stay Safe at Waspy’s

Follow these safety tips to stay safe while driving in the fall. At Waspy’s, we serve drivers at the Audubon and Templeton locations. Contact us today for information about our services. Check out our Facebook Page for updates!