Content provided by AAA’s Discounts & Rewards partner, NAPA Auto Parts
Autumn is a beautiful time to take a drive, but each season has its perils. Know what fall driving hazards await you, and you’re one step closer to avoiding them.
FALLEN LEAVES
The first thing most people think of when they think of fall is, of course, the awe-inspiring array of foliage. But this vibrant, eye-catching delight can pose a danger on the road in two ways. First, it can be distracting. Second, when the leaves fall to the ground and mix with rain, you’ve got yourself a real slip trap. Rain alone poses a hydroplaning threat. Downed leaves create extra opportunities for losing traction, and they keep the moisture around longer. Not a good combo.
FOG & FROST
The extra humidity combined with the changing temperature also creates perfect conditions for lots of fog. Fog reduces visibility all around, but especially creates problems at night. Depending on where you live, fall might also bring a bit of morning frost. This makes surfaces slippery and clings to your windshield, which can endanger visibility if you don’t let your car warm up before hitting the road.
INCREASED TRAFFIC + DECREASED DAYLIGHT
Aside from weather, the timing of autumn coincides with other events that ultimately make the road a little less safe. For one, school is back in session. That means more traffic in the morning and afternoon, and increased foot traffic in school zones. Fall at dusk is also when deer are most active, and where there’s one, there’s usually a whole group, all (seemingly) waiting to dart in front of your car. To add to all that, the sun sets earlier every night, eventually at the most inconvenient time of rush hour, which can blind you as you drive.
AUTUMNAL AUTO CARE
In many ways, it feels like nature has it out for you in the fall, despite all those pretty colors. Your best defense is two-fold: vigilance and maintenance. Always remain aware of potential hazards and take extra care to spot them before it’s too late. Beyond that, make sure your car is ready for the season. Get a new pair of windshield wipers; make sure your tire treads aren’t overly worn; and monitor tire pressure. If your headlights are foggy or in any other way problematic, be sure to get those checked out.
AAA CAN HELP!
Long story short: Stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance to be the most prepared leaf peeper you can be. There are plenty of exciting reasons to enjoy the season, so just give yourself a little more time and always be actively aware of your surroundings.
If you need assistance with your vehicle prep for fall, check out our great AAA discounts and AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.
