As the year progresses and we transition into a period of shorter days, cooler nights, and brisk mornings, it’s important to note that this is also a time when the number of vehicle accidents tends to increase due to reduced visibility. In this blog post, we provide some guidance on how to enhance visibility and mitigate the risks associated with various autumnal hazards, ensuring the safety of you, your passengers, and other road users.
Hazards Associated with Autumn Driving
The shift in seasons brings with it a unique set of challenges that can be effectively managed with a heightened focus on safety.
These challenges include:
- Reduced daylight hours
- Slick leaves and other debris on the road
- Fog during early morning and late evening hours
- Increased activity of wildlife
- Additional drivers and pedestrians due to school resumption, and finally,
- Wet weather conditions.
Taking a proactive approach to these hazards by prioritizing visibility can significantly reduce the likelihood of a vehicular accident.
Strategies for Enhancing Visibility
By taking a few precautionary measures, you can ensure not only that you have a clear view of potential road hazards, but also that your vehicle is easily noticeable by others on the road.
- Inspect your lights: With the days becoming shorter, it’s crucial to ensure that all your vehicle’s lights are functioning as they should. This includes headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicators. Replace any bulbs that are no longer working or have started to dim.
- Maintain a clean windshield: Leaves and other debris can quickly build up on your windshield, obstructing your view. Regularly clean your windshield and replace your wiper blades if they are damaged or worn out. Simultaneously, ensure any damage to the windshield is repaired promptly to prevent small cracks from expanding into larger ones that could pose a risk and hinder your vision.
- Stay vigilant in foggy conditions: Autumn is often associated with foggy weather which can impair visibility while driving. Fog is particularly common during early mornings and evenings. Use your low-beam headlights and fog lights (if available) to enhance visibility. Additionally, reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Be cautious of wildlife: Autumn is a period when many animals are more active, so exercise extra caution while driving in areas where wildlife is prevalent. If you spot an animal on or near the road, slow down and attempt to avoid collision.
- Prepare for rainy weather: Many regions experience increased rainfall during autumn, so it’s important to ensure that your windshield wipers are in good working order and that your tires have sufficient tread depth.
- Ensure your vehicle is visible: As daylight hours decrease, it’s vital to make sure your vehicle is easily visible to other drivers. Switch on your headlights when driving in low-light conditions and keep them clean for maximum brightness.
As we bid farewell to summer and adapt to changing weather conditions, it’s important to take steps to prepare for potential road hazards. Enjoy the beauty of autumn safely.
If you need your vehicle inspected or repaired, reach out to our service professionals at Campus Repair to book an appointment.