Fall is a beautiful time of the year—vibrant foliage on trees, the aroma of pumpkin spice in the air, and football on the weekends. But autumn also presents hazards, so we’ve compiled some of the most common road dangers during the fall season to help drivers stay safe!
Wet & Slippery Roads
We all know that autumn is the time of the year when trees shed their leaves for the winter. The falling leaves are usually just a slight nuisance, but for roads surrounded by trees, they’re also one of the most common road dangers during the fall season.
The more leaves on the road, the less traction a car’s tires have on the road, especially on rainy or wet days. These leaves may be dead, but they can soak up moisture like a sponge and create a hazardous driving situation for vehicles.
Avoid piles of leaves on the road if you can, or take them slower than you usually would.
Sun Glare
It may seem silly to call the sun a road hazard, but it can be more than a nuisance on your drive home during the fall season. In autumn, the sun is lower in the sky throughout the day, creating harsher angles for glare, especially during the typical rush hour.
If you’re driving into the sun glare and have to deal with a setting sun, it can strain your eyes terribly. Ensure you’ve got adequate eye protection while driving during rush hour and keep this glare in mind while driving—even if it doesn’t affect you, it might affect other drivers.
Fog & Frost
The fall season may have many gorgeous days of sun and mild temperatures, but there are also plenty of days of grim fog and chilly frost. No one likes these autumn days, but they can happen often and present dangers while driving.
Pro Tip: When driving in a fog, use your fog lights in addition to your regular headlights—do not turn on your high beams while driving in a fog.
Obviously, a foggy morning presents visibility challenges to drivers. And the first chill of the season can cause a dramatic temperature drop and even crack your windshield while driving.
Animals
Fall is also a time for active animals and critters as they feast or mate before the cold winter takes hold. In many parts of the country, deer are everywhere during the fall season, including on major roads and highways.
Keep an eye out for deer crossing signs while driving so you can be more vigilant for deer potentially jumping into the road. At night, use your high beams when it’s safe to spot deer before they emerge from the brush and forest.
