With a change of season upon us, it's time for a word of warning about the hazards of fall driving. While the first thing that comes to mind are animal collisions, especially with deer, over the next few months, there are some other seasonal driving hazards as well. Here are Erie Insurance's top fall driving hazards along with some steps to make your commute safer.
4 Fall Driving Hazards
- Rain and wet leaves. Wet leaves can be more of an issue than you might think. Erie Insurance says they can be as slippery as ice. With more rain and cooler tamps in the fall, Erie says your tires may have less grip than they did in the summer months. Avoid trouble by driving cautiously in wet conditions and slower than you would on a dry road.
- Deer collisions. Deer are most active from October to January, especially during the dusk and dawn hours. A collision with a deer can do severe damage to your vehicle. Avoid deer on the roadways by slowing down during peak hours, paying attention to road signs and using your high beams to increase visibility when possible.
- Earlier sunsets. The days get shorter in the fall, so you'll find yourself driving in the dark more often. This is another peak time for accidents. Make sure you're staying alert during nighttime hours. Be on the lookout for pedestrians and turn your headlights on during dawn or dusk hours. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and know when to swerve if there's an object in the road.
- School children. If you drive just before the school day starts or after it ends, you'll likely encounter busy crosswalks and bus stops. Since more students are walking and biking to school, you'll need to stay alert around schools and neighborhoods. Be aware of bus safety and school drop-off procedures as well. You might also consider finding a new route to avoid these high-traffic areas.
Source: PR Newswire/Press Release.
Photo Credit: Greens and Blues/Shutterstock.com.