Fall Driving Safety Tips, ML Lawyers
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year in South Carolina!
The trees lose their vibrant greens, and it isn’t smoldering hot anymore. The night air starts getting crisp. The sun begins sinking low on the horizon, casting long shadows at all hours of the day. It’s a splendid time to hop in the car and take a road trip through the mountains to watch Mother Nature do her thing – as long as you practice Fall Driving Safety Tips.
It’s time to adjust your driving patterns in accordance with changes in the weather. The fall season also means back to school for students, which entails more traffic on the road and more pedestrians next to the road.
In the past month, we have had multiple downpours of rain that caused roads to wash away, trees to fall, and many safety hazards on the road. It is important to be aware of how to act in such situations. Keep the following safety tips at the top of your mind this season.
It is crucial to be prepared for weather changes. Here in the south, we know that you might experience thick fog, heavy rain, wind, and sun all in one day! Conclusion? You never know what to plan for, so be prepared for it all!
Rain
Wet weather is a time to slow down and take it easy on the road. It’s never a good idea to follow the car in front of you too closely – even more so when the rains falls. Give yourself an extra car length or two to increase your safety zone.
Make sure your windshield wipers work well, which means they clear the water off your windshield without streaking or smearing. If they’re old, replace them as soon as possible.
Fog
Fog occurs when warm, moist air meets cold air. This frequently occurs in the fall when cold night air meets air heated up by the sun’s rays in the morning. Fog is commonly found in low areas and places surrounded by hills, water, mountains, and trees.
In foggy conditions, slow down and keep your headlights on low beam. Don’t use your high beams because that will further reduce visibility by reflecting light back at you. As with rain, give yourself extra distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
Fallen Leaves
It may seem hard to believe that a few dead leaves can pose a threat to cars and trucks. But, when the road gets thick with them, the surface can become slick, especially for cars with low-tread or bald tires. Large amounts of leaves can also hide traffic lines and other pavement markings, as well as potholes and other road hazards.
When it rains, some types of wet leaves can make the road very slick. Slow down, try to avoid making sudden turns, and give yourself a little extra time to brake at stop signs and intersections.
Frost
During the fall, temperatures can drop rapidly during the night, producing ideal conditions for morning frost on your windshield and icy spots on the road.
Keep a scraper in the car to remove frost on the windshield, and drive slower and with caution in areas prone to ice buildup on the road, such as bridges, overpasses, and parts of the road that are shaded.
Sun Glare
Because the sun sits lower in the sky, fall tends to produce more sun glare than during summer when the sun is directly above. The first half-hour or so before sunset and after sunrise are particularly prone to sun glare.
When the sun hits directly in your eyes, it can cause temporary blindness. Even if it only lasts a few seconds, it’s plenty of time to cause an accident. Sun glare can also make it hard to see traffic lights, stop signs, and other road signage. Keep a pair of sunglasses in the glove compartment and keep your windshield clean.
