4 Road Dangers to Avoid When Driving in the Fall

The leaves are changing colours, the temperatures are dropping, the sun is going down early … There's no doubt that summer is now over.  

Some people worry too little behind the wheel, until the first snowflakes have fallen from the sky, but they should know that an accident is more likely to happen than in the hot season. Here are four common dangers to avoid when driving in fall: 

1. Rain and Dead Leaves

True, it can rain in spring and summer too, but the rain combined with cold temperatures makes the road even more slippery. And this isn’t only about the asphalt; wet dead leaves can have a big impact on your tires’ grip too. So, if there’s dead leaves on the road, you should go slower than on a clear and dry surface. 

2. Wild Animals

Fall is an opportune season for encounters with wildlife on the road. And the bigger the animal is, the more serious the consequences can be. Watch for deer especially, because their mating season is at its peak during the first two weeks of November. You’ll see them mostly at nightfall and in the hours before and after sunrise.

If you see a sign warning you of possible deer presence, slow down and be careful. And since these animals are gregarious, seeing one usually means that more roam the area, and that you should be doubly cautious. If one of them crosses the road, avoid making abrupt manoeuvres to get around it, or you could end up in the ditch or causing an accident with an oncoming vehicle. Here's what you should do if you hit an animal.

3. Darkness and Fog

The days are getting shorter, and darkness is starting to overlap with the rush hours. Try to stay alert behind the wheel and turn on your headlights (if they aren’t automatic). A lack of visibility can also impair your reaction time when faced with an obstacle, whether it’s a pedestrian or another vehicle. That’s why you should always maintain a safe distance.   

The same goes with fog, which is more prevalent during fall. Turn on your fog lights to see the road more clearly … and also to be seen!

4. Frosted Windows

When the first nights of freezing cold appear, you’ll often find your vehicle with all its windows covered in frost in the morning. Not everyone has an ice scraper handy or takes the time to address the problem, though. Some will even clear only a little portion of their windows before hitting the road. Big mistake! When driving, it’s important to be able to see in all directions, especially when the road conditions are difficult. This can make all the difference between life and you know what.