Autumn Driving

The leaves are already beginning to change in our area. This time of year brings new challenges for drivers of all ages. Wet leaves, fog, sun glare, and frost are a few of the hazards drivers can encounter during this time of year.

This blog will discuss the different dangers this time of year presents and how, as a driver, you can stay safe.

Wet Leaves

as the leaves begin to fall, wet leaves become very slippery; it’s like driving on ice. They also can obscure traffic lines and other pavement markings, making driving in unfamiliar areas particularly difficult. You should slow down and use extra caution on leaf-covered roadways

Fog and Sun glare

When driving in fog, you should use low-beam headlights since the high-beam setting creates glare and reduces visibility. Not only will headlights enhance the visibility of your vehicle, state law requires headlights to be on when wipers are in use.

Sun glare can be most problematic during sunrise and sunset, which coincide with morning and evening rush hours. The intense glare from the sun on the horizon can blind you as a driver, causing an unexpected traffic slowdown. You can prepare for the glare by keeping a set of sunglasses handy, removing clutter from your sun visors, and keeping the inside of your vehicle’s windshield clean.

Frost

Morning frost and icy spots on the road can also cause problems as overnight temperatures drop toward freezing. You should pay particular attention to bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas on roadways where icy spots can form on the pavement. In addition to exercising caution while driving, you should clear your vehicle’s windows of frost before travel.

Deer

There is an increase in deer activity, so you should be vigilant for deer darting across and along roadways.

Fall marks the deer’s breeding season, and deer pay less attention and become bolder as they move around more and travel greater distances seeking mates. Primarily nocturnal feeders, deer are most active between sunset and sunrise.

Some other factors that affect the travel patterns of deer in the fall are farmers actively harvesting the last of their crops and preparing for spring planting, increased activity in the woods from hunters seeking game, and outdoor enthusiasts enjoying the last remaining days of good weather.

Here are more safety tips to help reduce the possibility of being involved in a crash with a deer.

Remember to:

• Slow down and use caution, particularly where deer crossing signs are posted and increase your following distance between vehicles
• Make young drivers aware of increased deer movement
• Be especially watchful during morning and evening hours when wildlife is most active
• Exercise caution when one deer crosses a roadway. Since deer often travel in small herds, one deer will usually be followed by others
• Always wear your seat belt
• Never drive impaired
• Turn on your headlights if your wipers are on — it’s the law.

If a dead deer presents an obvious safety hazard on state roadways, motorists can call 1-800-FIX-ROAD to have the deer removed.