As summer fades and turns into fall, you can generally anticipate the typical roadway hazards plus a few seasonal-specific dangers.
Before you go traveling to the local pumpkin patch or decide to go leaf spotting, it’s wise to brush up on some autumn safety reminders. Aside from damp leaves and roads, what else is there? Consider these tips:
Watch out for buses, kids and animals
You have to readjust your travel times in the fall to account for three major dangers: Kids, buses and animals.
While Arizona drivers have a relatively low rate of collision with animals compared to many areas of the country, they still happen. In fact, your odds of colliding with a deer at least once during your lifetime are about one in a hundred.
If you’re not in a rural area, then you need to worry about kids suddenly stepping into your path or crossing the street and — of course — buses. Once the schools reopen, it’s smart to schedule a little extra time into your commute so that you don’t risk an accident while rushing.
Be wary of fog, frost and sun glare
Autumn weather is nothing if it isn’t fickle — and that creates its own hazards. You can easily wake up to fog in the morning that makes your headlights practically useless. Frost, too, is an issue, especially when it covers your windshield and reduces your visibility.
Sun glare is even a bigger issue in the fall than many drivers realize. As the sun dips closer to the horizon and the days get shorter, you may unexpectedly find yourself driving straight into the glare. Keep your windshield clean and your sunglasses handy to minimize visibility problems.
If you do end up in a car wreck through no fault of your own, make sure you take the appropriate steps to protect your financial interests. You shouldn’t have to pay for another driver’s mistakes.