4 Fall Driving Safety Tips
Fall is around the corner, which means so is the arrival of cooler weather, warm sweaters, an onslaught of pumpkin spice everything, early introductions to Halloween candy, and the the inevitable doom of shorter days. It also brings a new season of weather, which means it’s time to brush up on your driving skills. Here are a few tips to get you ready for the road.
Back to School
It’s that time of year again. To parents, it’s the most wonderful time. For commuters, it’s a reminder of why summer was so great. The streets are bustling with students and their families rushing to get them to class. The month of September warrants higher levels of traffic and congested regions in school zones. If you normally frequent these areas on your morning commute, take extra caution around this busy traffic season.
Weather
Fall means cooler temperatures, which translates to more rain, frost, hail, and fog. These weather occurrences can add a bit of complication to your driving routes, by making the roads slicker and more dangerous, and by limiting driving visibility. Take time to slow down, and be fully aware of your surroundings on the road. Fall can also be a bad time for dealing with sun glare while driving, which can make it difficult for you to spot moving pedestrians, or accurately read road signs. Take heed, go slow, and buy a pair of polarized sunglasses to cut down on the glare.
Maintenance
Doing some work on your vehicle can greatly help you prep for the fall driving season. Clean your windshield inside and out in order to keep your vision as clear as possible when on the road. As well, check to make sure that your tire pressure is high enough, since the rapid change from hot to cold weather can cause them to lose pressure. Lastly, avoiding car care products that increase the amount of gloss on your vehicle can help to reduce the adverse effects of sun glare.
Obey Traffic Laws
Simple precautions like watching your speed, keeping your distance between vehicles, choosing low beams over high beams (especially in foggy conditions), and approaching traffic lights slowly, will help you stay safe during the fall season.