Fall Driving Hazards

Along with the crisp weather and colorful leaves soon to be on display, the fall season brings some less desirable and potentially dangerous driving conditions. As leaves are beginning to fall, be sure to take extra caution when navigating the covered roadways. Wet leaves can create slick conditions, often just as slippery and dangerous as ice. Slow down, exercise extra caution navigating turns, and leave additional space between your vehicle and others.

The cooler weather also brings an increase in wildlife activity. Deer are particularly active this time of year. While you should always remain alert and free from distractions while driving, it remains especially important this time of year as you may need to react rapidly to avoid an animal darting into the roadway.

PennDOT’s website offers the following fall driving safety tips:

• Increase your following distance in severe weather, at dusk and dawn and when in an area with wet leaves. If you are being tailgated, let the other driver pass.
• Check your vehicle headlights, taillights and turn signals to ensure they are working properly since darkness will be a part of many drivers’ morning and/or evening commutes. Make sure you turn on your headlights as the sunlight fades.
• Have your vehicle’s heating and wiper systems checked to ensure they are working properly.
• Be sure you have tires with sufficient tread depth in case of an early season snow

(https://www.penndot.pa.gov/TravelInPA/Safety/TrafficSafetyAndDriverTopics/Pages/Fall-Driving.aspx)