There is much to love about autumn, from the season’s first early morning frost to the new warm hues of nature’s changing colour palette. But the arrival of autumn also brings additional hazards to the roads – some obvious, others less so. Be prepared for these challenges by mulling over our list of autumn driving safety tips, as well as advice on how to handle other common seasonal issues.
Autumn driving safety tips: slippery roads
- Wet, fallen leaves are extremely slippery and can obscure road markings or conceal other hazards, such as potholes. So take greater care when driving through rural areas by reducing your speed – especially around corners – and paying close attention to your lane discipline.
- Morning frost can create icy patches on shaded areas of the road and across bridges and overpasses. Take extra care by reducing your speed.
- Autumn coincides with deer breeding season, so be extra careful driving through rural and wooded areas, especially during sunrise and sunset times when deer are most active. Take special note in areas where deer warning signs are displayed.
- October is Tyre Safety Month, so check that your tyres have sufficient tread depth – we recommend a minimum of 3.0mm. Visit our tyre page for more Information
- Clear leaves from your vehicle, especially around the scuttle panel directly under the windscreen, as these can block drainage holes and get caught under your windscreen wiper blades.
Autumn driving safety tips: low sun
- If the sun is not too low, use your visor to create some shade for your eyes.
- Reduce your speed to increase the safety margin between you and the car in front.
- Keep the inside and outside of your windscreen clean to reduce the effect of glare and the possibility of creating condensation.
Autumn driving safety tips: fog
- Fog is one of the most dangerous weather conditions as an accident involving one car can quickly escalate to involve others if they are driving too close. Leave a distance of at least three second between you and the car in front.
- Use your headlights and fog lights to increase your visibility to others.
- At junctions, wind down your window and listen for traffic.
