Leaves are falling and safety is calling
Fall driving presents its own colorful set of programs. October is the beginning of the deer breeding season, which means deer activity increases, especially at night. Deer vehicle incidents are the highest from mid-October through November. More deer are stuck on the road during this time than during the entire rest of the year.
Tip: Deer often travel in groups, so if you see one, slow down because others may be nearby.
As beautiful as autumn is, it is not without its hazards:
Falling temperatures: Fall brings the first frost. Take the extra time necessary to clean all windows of frost so you have good visibility. Also, be aware of slippery conditions that occur with frost. At or near freezing temperatures, the moisture on bridges and overpasses will become ice more quickly than the roadway. The roadway holds heat and bridges do not. Thus, you can go from wet roadway to ice in just a fraction of a second. Decelerating or gently braking when approaching bridges and overpasses is a good method to follow to prevent losing control.
Potholes: The freezing/thawing that occurs in fall, also increases the number of potholes on the road. Water contracts and expands in cracks in the pavement, which weakens it and eventually leads to a pothole. Because of this, drivers need to be aware of any changing road surface conditions on their route.
Tire pressure: With frequent weather and temperature changes, tires can expand and contract, causing them to lose air pressure. Make sure tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread. While you're at it, make sure your spare tire is properly inflated and has a good tread on it. You don't want to be left stranded by a spare tire that is under-inflated or a worn tread. It may not seem important at the moment, but when you are in a situation where it is needed, this checkup will seem invaluable.
Leaves: Patches of fallen leaves can be just as treacherous as patches of ice. Wet leaves can be slippery, reduce traction, and cover road markings, making it difficult to determine shoulder and lane widths. When traveling on a road that is covered in wet leaves, increase the distance between your car and the car in front of you and allow additional stopping time. Always try to avoid driving through a pile of leaves if possible, as children can sometimes hide in them, and never park on a pile of leaves, as heat from the exhaust can potentially start a fire.
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