Fall is upon us; it’s that time of the year for leaf-peeping and pumpkin picking. It’s also that time of the year when the weather conditions make it a little tougher to get around. Fall driving can be difficult and unpredictable. It is due to this reason that your vehicle needs extra care to be at its best. Are you prepared for fall’s dicey and often changing driving conditions? Don’t panic; we’ve compiled a list of safe driving tips so you can be extra careful this fall:
There’s nothing more beautiful like falling leaves during fall, and while they are dreamy to watch, they are a nightmare for drivers when they cover pavement markings and traffic lines.
Furthermore, leaves on the road can get extremely slippery when wet, making driving conditions similar to driving on ice. What’s worse, when the temperatures drop, wet leaves on the road will turn into hazardous icy leaves. It’s advisable to drive slow during these conditions to prevent your vehicle from losing traction and potentially losing control.
Sun glare is something that needs your attention as a driver, especially during morning and evening rush hours. As summer wanes, the blinding distraction of sun glare waxes. During fall, the sun is closer to the horizon, and pointed straight into the driver’s eyes. This effect forces the sun’s rays to reflect at low angles off objects and vehicles, into your eyes.
In many areas, fall is a wet and damp season, rain and fog are often a common occurrence in fall. Fog conditions manifest in the morning and evening hours in areas with hills, trees, and water. Fog can significantly impair your visibility during driving, making it difficult to see blind corners, oncoming vehicles as well as those further ahead. There’s also a likely hood of increased rain during fall. Rain makes roads slippery; in these conditions, your tires are at a higher risk of skidding.
Many wild animals breed during fall, or are otherwise active in preparation for the upcoming winter, most common among these animals is deer. Deer mate during November, that is why you are more likely to see more of them. They will be more active during this time, and will occasionally dart across the road. According to the Institute for Highway Safety, you are three times more likely to hit a deer in fall than any other season in a year. Animal-rights group PETA warns, 1 in every 100 drivers will hit a deer during their drive life.
Darkness comes early as the year progresses. While only 25% of driving is at night in the U.S, 50% of traffic deaths happen at the same time, the National Safety Council warns. Older drivers need twice as much light to drive compared to younger drivers. In fall, it’s common to see activities in early darkness; children are playing, people jogging or walking their dogs. These conditions make it more difficult to see pedestrians while driving.
If there’s a time your vehicle needs to be at its best, it’s before a long journey or during weather changes. Fall brings a lot of complications for drivers such as; slippery conditions, poor visibility, and increased cases of road accidents. A rule of thumb is to perform a general check-up of your vehicle every time you change your oil (every 3,000-5,000 miles). A professional and certified car service such as AAMCO Utah will advise you on how best to prepare your vehicle for fall.
While these safe driving tips will help keep you safe from the elements during fall, its important to make sure your vehicle is at its best. Schedule a fall car care service with your local mechanic. Remember, these driving tips will have minimal effect on your safety if your car is out of shape.
Are you looking to get your vehicle checked in preparation for fall ? AAMCO Utah are a leading car repair shop specializing in: Seasonal Car Care, Brake Services and Repair , nearest AAMCO Utah location for all of your fall car care needs – it’s easy to schedule online with the location nearest you!
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