It’s autumn again! People have different reactions to this time of the year. Some receive it gladly, being fascinated by the beauty of the falling leaves, while others have the opposite reaction. Some of the people who are not so enthusiastic about this season have their reasons. Maybe one of them is the fact that the roads would be slippery most of the time due to unexpected rain showers. Poor visibility is also a problem during this time of the year, since fog could just descend any time. Next to winter, autumn driving is the most challenging things for a car owner.

Drivers need to be reminded of some of the things they need to do in order to stay safe on the road this autumn.

Here are some tips from the Association of British Drivers.

• When driving at sunset or sunrise dazzle can be a problem. Ensure that you keep your windscreen clean and free from smears which will be enhanced by low sun. If driving into the sun be aware that drivers behind may be dazzled and may not see you if you stop (see previous tips for avoiding being ‘rear ended’). If the sun is low behind you, be aware that oncoming drivers may be dazzled.
• In conditions of poor visibility use dipped headlights. This is not so that you can see but so that other road users can see you. If most around you have their lights on, the chances are that you should too. You may be able to see other vehicles but the motorcyclist with a rain soaked visor, the pedestrian with poor eyesight or the driver with misted up windows may mistake you for a gap in the traffic with obvious consequences.
• Only use rear foglights in extreme conditions (a good guideline is when the vehicles in front become difficult to see) and always remember to switch them off when conditions improve. Front foglights (lights mounted below the bumper are usually foglights) should only be used in thick fog.
• Your vehicle will take much longer to stop on a wet surface, particularly one covered with wet leaves. Adjust your speed and leave a longer following distance so that you are always able to stop in the distance seen to be clear. Find out whether your car has ABS brakes. It will make a difference to how you will need to use them in an emergency stop. Consider taking skid pan training to help you understand how your car will behave if you lose adhesion. There are many venues throughout the country.
• Watch out for children walking and cycling to and from school. Many schools unfortunately insist upon dark coloured clothing which can make them difficult to spot
• Ensure your tyres, brakes, wipers, heater and demisters are in excellent order

I hope you find these tips helpful! Have a safe drive always!

Photo Credit: yimq

Like life, the changing season is also an endless cycle. Right now, autumn is already just around the corner. Drivers must prepare for this upcoming season. Some of you might ask, what are the dangers of driving this fall? Well, some of you might think it’s mundane, but you have to watch out for falling autumn leaves because they’ve been cited as one of the driving hazards.

Pools of water and mud on the road are the most common things that a lot of drivers are wary of. Only very few are aware of the risk that piles of leaves pose. According to the Car Care Council, “Drivers should be aware that wet leaves on the road surface can make stopping difficult, and piles of leaves can obscure potholes, curbs and street marking.” This factor can pose real danger to drivers and their passengers, so once again they are reminded to check their car’s overall condition. Tires, brakes, and wipers are just some of the most important vehicle parts that have to be checked before venturing out this autumn.

Photo Credit: Carjunky