The falling leaves sure are beautiful, but they also put your life at risk. How’s that? Check out #7 in this quick list of fall driving tips to find out the A to that Q. 🙂
1. Wake up early.
You don’t have to compete with school traffic in summer. That’s not the case anymore! Now there will be TONS of buses and parents driving children to school. Want to make the transition less stressful? Wake up ten minutes early to beat the traffic (the roads won’t be as crowded!).
2. Look out for school buses.
It’s okay to pass a stopped bus on the other side of the road. If that bus is in the other lane, then you need to stop. Don’t get mad. School buses aren’t an inconvenience. They have as much right to use the road as you do. If you have to be somewhere by a particular time, see point #1.
3. Slow down in neighborhoods.
Some children walk to school in the morning. Those same children probably walk back home in the afternoon. If you’re traveling at either of those times, please follow the posted speed limit. Kids don’t always look both ways, so keep your eyes open just in case you need to slam your brakes. Better safe than sorry!
4. Check your headlights and taillights.
The days are getting shorter and shorter. It will be getting dark by 6 p.m. before you know it! Be ready for that. Park your car. Turn on the headlights and blinkers. Ask a friend or partner to put pressure on the brake (or just sit a heavy object on top of the brake pad). Check out those lights to make sure they work (if not, see a mechanic).
5. Don’t use high beams when it’s foggy.
There is a common misconception I want to address. Some people use high beams when it’s foggy. They think this will increase their visibility. Actually, the opposite is true. The fog will just bounce those beams right back into your eyes. It is safer to stick with your low beams. If you can’t see very far ahead, slow down and stay in the right lane.
6. If your hometown has deer, be ready to slam the brakes.
This probably won’t be a problem for New Yorkers and other big city dwellers. But small town folks (or people living near the woods) need to know that fall is mating season for deer. That’s why there are so many of them at this time of year. Don’t use your cell phone in the car (especially on scenic routes!). Stay focused on the road so you can identify potential threats with enough time to react.
7. Admire the falling leaves, but also be aware of their dangers.
I love how leaves change color in fall. Who doesn’t? They are so pretty! But they can be deadly, too. Driving over leaves make your tires slide. Piles of leaves conceal pot-holes. Starting the ignition while parked on a pile of leaves could spark a fire. Falling leaves can get stuck on your windshield, blocking visibility. These dangers are unlikely, but it doesn’t hurt to be mindful.
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