Fall Driving: Beautifully Treacherous!

Each season presents its driving challenges on the roads, from winter snows to summer rains. But Fall is one season that often gets overlooked.  With weather conditions that are typically not as harsh as those in winter, spring, and summer, it’s easy to assume (incorrectly) that Fall driving is without risk.  Fall in Massachusetts is the most beautiful and the most unpredictable when it comes to driving conditions.  Each morning it may be warm, cold, foggy, raining, sleeting, or even snowing.  Fall brings us the first frost, which creates slippery roads and ice can form even if it isn’t on the main road.  Lest we not forget the most obvious culprit…fallen leaves which can cause slippery conditions because they contain a large amount of water.  It’s best to slow down if there are large patches of leaves on the road. 

School is in session and we are sharing the road with school buses during the morning commute.  When morning weather conditions include cooler temperatures, it can make it difficult to see through a windshield, so it is important to make sure your vehicle’s defroster is in good working condition to ensure you have a clear view of the road.  When school buses are on the road it’s important to keep a safe distance at all times, especially when the stop arm is extended.  Everyone needs to stop at that time, unless there is a divider between a car and the school bus. 

During the Fall, the sun rises later and sets earlier, which can affect your evening commute. You may find that during Fall months you are driving toward the sun in the evening.  To help lessen the glare, make sure you have a pair of sunglasses in the car, and make use of the sun visor in your vehicle; also keeping your windshield clean inside and out can help reduce the glare. Once the sun starts going down, it’s time to turn on the headlights.  It’s best to do this during dusk so other drivers can see the car, because a setting sun can still cause glare on a windshield.  During dusk it’s also important to use the two-second rule to keep a safe distance between cars.  Using these driving tips will be a good step toward a safe season.