Fall is definitely my favorite season! Apple picking, decorated pumpkins, beautiful leaves, and cooler weather—what’s not to like?

Seasonal transitions are some of the most beautiful times of year, but the fall weather can lead to dangerous road conditions as trees shed their leaves and the amount of rainfall increases.

Luckily we’ve compiled a few fall driving tips for you to review, so that you can stay safe on the roads and enjoy this beautiful season and all that it has to offer!

1. Be prepared for unpredictable weather

For many cities across the country, fall is a season of varied weather conditions. From increased rain to morning fog, the shifting conditions can make the roads more dangerous.

In rainy weather, slow down your speed and give the car in front of you some extra space. In addition, make sure that your windshield wipers are functioning properly before getting on the road. If it’s a foggy day, remember to use your low beam headlights, because your high beam headlights will reflect light back towards you and further harm your visibility.

2. Watch out for the first frost

With particularly low temperatures in the evenings and early mornings, be careful on bridges and on heavily shaded roads, slowing down your speed in case any ice has formed. In addition, it may be helpful to keep a scraper in your car so that you’re prepared if frost accumulates on your windows.

3. Stay alert for wildlife

You should always stay alert at animal crossing signs, but fall is a particularly active time for deer—so if your town has an active deer population, be careful at dawn and dusk. If you see a deer cross the road, slow down and be cautious because they usually travel in groups!

4. Beware of sun glare

At those times of day when the sun is low in the sky, it can be extremely difficult to see the roads while driving. Be prepared for this low visibility by keeping a pair of sunglasses in the car and by ensuring that your windshield is clean.

5. Slow down in school zones

With school back in session, school zones will be filled with pedestrians and big yellow buses will occupy the streets. Remember to obey the decreased speed limits in school zones and always come to a complete stop behind a school bus that’s dropping off children.

(If you want more driving tips for this school year, check out our article on Back to School Safety Tips)

6. When leaves on the trees become leaves on the streets—slow down

The leaves in autumn are beautiful to look at, but once they accumulate on the streets, they can seriously endanger drivers by blocking street markings and concealing dangers like potholes. Plus, in rainy weather, wet leaves can act like ice and make it harder for you to stop. To avoid any accidents on a leaf-covered road, drive slower and break gently. Also, try not to park over a large pile of leaves, as heat from your exhaust system could cause them to catch fire.

Whether you’re going to a Halloween party or a Thanksgiving potluck, being prepared and knowing all of the autumn-specific rules of the road will help keep you (and those around you) safe this season!

Sources:
http://www.safebee.com/travel/7-fall-driving-safety-tips
http://www.21st.com/insurance-newsletters/2011/10/fall-driving-tips.htm