Fall Driving Conditions to Watch Out For

Fall Driving Conditions to Watch Out For

As Labor Day roles around, you can’t help but notice the end of the summer season. Cooler nights, darker evenings and school buses rolling down the road signal the arrival of fall. Before long we’ll be carving pumpkins and getting our Halloween masks out!

Yet with the arrival of fall come a number of deceptively hazardous driving conditions to be aware of. Here is our list of hazards you should be aware of.

Light

As if your evening commute wasn’t stressful enough, add to it darker conditions and more reasons to be extra careful. Peak travel hours will now take place during dusk/dark hours of the day, and that includes foot and bike traffic. Give yourself extra stopping distance between cars and be extra careful at intersections.

Deer

Deer start their breeding season (also known as the ‘rut’) and are constantly causing havoc on the roads. In fact, over 50% of all deer related auto accidents occur between the months of October and December. Deer are also most active during dawn and dusk, when visibility is at its worst. Ensure you are obeying posted speed limits, check to see that your headlights are on and keep a look out.

School

The school year has begun, which means that there is extra congestion during drop off and pick up hours. There may also be extra foot traffic as children walk to and from school. Give yourself additional time during these hours to get to your destination and also ensure that you are obeying traffic laws when driving around buses or through school zones.

Leaves

Fall is perhaps best known for its beautiful displays of fall foliage, yet fallen leaves can cause slippery conditions, particularly with morning dew or after rain. Again, give yourself plenty of stopping distance behind cars and when approaching intersections. Also, slow down going into turns. While it isn’t ice, leaves can easily cause you to lose grip.

What Else Can You Do?

Beyond upping your vigilance, you can also make sure that your car is ready for the fall. Worn or bald tires simply won’t give you the grip or braking performance you need during the fall to keep safe. Additionally, brakes can make all the difference should a deer jump out in front of you, or worse, a kid walking home from school.

As you begin driving more in the dark, take notice of your headlights and make sure that you are comfortable with your visibility. If you don’t think your headlights are bright enough, now is the time to get them switched out before your night time driving really picks up.

BBack Car Care can help you prepare for the hazards or fall. Give our service desk a call today or schedule an appointment online for help with brakes, lights or tires. We offer free estimates and quick service.

Drive confidently this fall and love your car again with the help of BBack Car Care. Request an appointment online today or give us a call.