Fall Driving Safety Tips: Avoid Single-Car Crashes

The weather is changing again and that means it’s time to revisit some road safety tips for cooler temperatures, shorter days, and back-to-school habits.

Avoid Autumn Flat Tires

The temperature is dropping steadily, especially at night. That means the molecules in the air are moving slower and there is less space between them, which is why you might notice your tire pressure dropping too.

Check your tire pressure and if you notice it’s low, top it up early in the morning or in the evening for the best results.

Watch Out for Deer and Small Animals

Deer are on the move this time of year, and they don’t always look both ways before darting into the street. Depending on where you live, keep your eye open for foxes, coyotes, raccoons, squirrels, moose, cats, and other small mammals.

Especially when driving near thick trees or grassy areas without much development, keep your headlights on, use your brights when you’re the only car around, and take extra care when going around corners and curves.

Beware of Changing Weather

As the days grow shorter, the wind blows a little harder, the rain falls a little more often, and the days are a little bit cloudier, our driving habits need to adjust.

Summer vacations have ended, roads are crowded with school and rush-hour traffic, and autumn storms can create hazardous conditions. Summer construction projects may be ending, but look out for overnight road works and new projects that are just starting.

Bridges are especially vulnerable to ice at night when the temperature drops after a rain. Instead of rushing, leave yourself a little extra time to get where you’re going.

Be Mindful of Sunlight Hours

With fewer daylight hours, more of us are commuting in the dark and during dawn and dusk, when the sun is directly in drivers’ eyes. East-west roads are particularly difficult around the equinox at sunrise and sunset.

Don’t forget your sunglasses, keep your windshield clean, and be extra cautious. If it’s hard for you to see, it’s hard for other drivers and pedestrians to see too.

Upgrade your Emergency Kit

Summer emergency kits can be used in the fall, but make sure to add some autumn essentials.

● Water & non-perishable food
● Flares & jumper cables
● Flashlights
● A camera
● Blankets
● Warm layers
● Dry socks and shoes
● A first aid kit
● Waterproof jacket or poncho