Fall Safe Driving Tips

Fall brings cool weather, crisp leaves, and pumpkin patches, but it’s also a time when the weather can bring dangerous driving conditions. The team at Flager & Associates, PC are big proponents of safe driving, particularly when the seasons change. Stay safe on the road this fall with these 6 driving tips.

Avoid braking on leaves. As the seasons change, rainfall can happen unexpectedly, causing leaves to fall and line the roadways. Wet leaves can be just as slippery as an icy road, so avoid braking on leaves as much as possible. They can also obscure lane and road markers, so pay extra attention when the leaves start to fall.

Watch out for sun glare. During the fall season, the sun glare just after sunrise and just before sunset can make driving supremely difficult. Drivers compare the sensation after seeing a glare to be “blinding,” which can cause them to miss road signs, oncoming traffic, or pedestrians. To avoid being blinded by the sun, keep a good pair of sunglasses in your car. Maintain a clean windshield and use north and south streets whenever possible to avoid a run-in with direct sunlight. Your window visor can also provide protection from the sun’s glare, whether you are already wearing sunglasses or not.

Drive with caution in the rain. You should maintain a safe distance between cars, but it’s especially important to do so when it’s raining. Wet roads can be more slippery than usual, which can cause your car to skid around or hydroplane. To avoid an accident, use your low beams when it’s rainy and fog is present.

Be mindful of school zones. It’s important to drive with extreme caution in school zones and around bus stops. The kids are back in school, which means more cars and buses on the roads. During your commute to and from work, be especially mindful of pedestrian traffic as children walk to and from their schools and bus stops.

Pay attention to the forecast. Temperatures can drop unexpectedly during this time of year, so much so that frost forms on your vehicle overnight. This yields icy windows and roadways the next morning. Exercise caution on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas of your commute, as this is where the road will freeze first.

Watch out for deer. Fall is mating and migrating season for deer, meaning there will be an increase in their population and whereabouts, so it’s important to be on the lookout for deer while driving. If your area is known for darting deer, be especially mindful when driving at night.

Stay safe on the roadways this fall with these driving tips. If you or a loved one has been involved in an automobile accident, don’t fight your battle alone. Contact one of our experienced personal injury attorneys today to request your free case evaluation. Don’t wait, call 215-953-5200 today!

Staying alert is always important when driving long distances. See our ‘How to Stay Alert on Long Drives‘ blog post for more safe driving tips.