Leaves turn beautiful colors, it’s just chilly enough for sweaters and a comfortable pair of jeans, pumpkins are everywhere, and the holidays are right around the corner. Fall is a beautiful time of year, in the Mid-Atlantic but with Fall comes wetter, frostier conditions, fallen leaves and fewer hours of day light, which all lead to tricky driving conditions.
Fall leaves are a beautiful and colorful sight to see, but when they’re on the road they can create hazards. Wet leaves can be slippery and icy. They can also cover road hazards, like potholes. Drive carefully down leaf covered streets and pay attention to road conditions before you set out on your Fall excursions.
Rain during Fall can cause fog or frost depending on the temperature outside. Either weather condition can affect driving conditions. Fog makes visibility difficult, rain and wet leaves can cause hydroplaning, and frost if not removed from all windows can limit your sight. Be alert, give yourself enough space to stop between you and the vehicle in front of you and avoid sudden breaking. If fog rolls in, use low beams and maintain an appropriate distance between other vehicles, and if the fog becomes too dense find a safe place to pull off the road and wait for the fog to clear.
Deer activity peak in the Fall. Pay attention to “deer crossing” signs and slow down in heavily forested areas. Remember to be extra cautious if you’re driving at dusk or dawn, these are the highest-risk times for deer related crashes.
Temperatures rise and fall during autumn and that makes your tire pressure change too. The temperature changes cause car tires to expand and contract, which can result in loss of air pressure. Remember to check your tires regularly to make sure they’re properly inflated. Typically, you can find the proper air pressure for your tires, measured in pounds per square inch (psi), in your car’s owner’s manual.
Last but not least, remember Halloween brings out trick-or-treaters, so keep an eye out for all of those ghouls, goblins and fairy princesses crossing busy neighborhood streets near or on October 31. From all of us at Maryland Auto Insurance, have a happy and safe Autumn driving season!
