Autumn driving safety tips
Autumn brings beautiful scenery, but also unique driving challenges. Wet roads, fallen leaves, and unpredictable weather can create hazards as the days get shorter.
By adjusting your driving to the conditions and preparing your vehicle, you can ensure a safer journey. Here are some essential tips to stay safe on the road this autumn.
Watch Out for Wet and Slippery Roads
As autumn progresses, the likelihood of encountering wet and slippery roads increases. Rainfall and wet leaves make roads slippery, reducing tyre grip and increasing braking distances. Slow down, especially when cornering, and maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. Make sure your tyres have enough tread depth to handle wet conditions. Even a small patch of wet leaves can be as slippery as ice, so drive cautiously through leaf-covered areas.
Prepare for Shorter Daylight Hours
With the clocks going back in autumn, daylight hours become shorter, and it gets darker much earlier. Reduced visibility can increase the risk of accidents, especially on roads without street lighting. Check your headlights to ensure they work properly and clean them regularly. Use dipped headlights during twilight or nighttime, and high beams on rural roads with no oncoming traffic. Remember to switch back to dipped beams when other vehicles approach.
Be Cautious of Fog and Mist
Autumn often brings fog and mist, which can significantly reduce visibility. When driving in fog, use your fog lights and dipped headlights. Avoid using high beams, as they can reflect off the fog and worsen visibility. Drive at a reduced speed and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Use reflective road markings to guide you in dense fog, and switch off your fog lights once visibility improves.
Reduce Sun Glare
Autumn often brings bright, low-lying sun, which can cause glare and make it difficult to see the road ahead. Sun glare is particularly challenging during the early morning and late afternoon when the sun is at a lower angle. To reduce glare, keep your windscreen clean both inside and out, as dirt and streaks can intensify the effect of sunlight.
Wear sunglasses to reduce glare, and use the sun visor if needed. Slow down and be extra cautious of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles that might be hard to see.
Stay Focused
Autumn weather can be unpredictable, with rapidly changing conditions. Avoid distractions, such as using your phone or adjusting the radio, and stay alert to sudden changes in road conditions. Be mindful of other road users, especially cyclists and motorcyclists, who may be harder to spot in low light.
Check Your Vehicle’s Fluids and Equipment
Autumn is a good time to carry out basic vehicle maintenance to ensure your car is in top condition for the colder months ahead. Check the levels of essential fluids, including engine oil, coolant, and windscreen washer fluid. As autumn rain can bring mud and dirt onto the roads, you’ll likely need to use your wipers more frequently, so make sure they are in good working order.
It's also essential to check your vehicle's battery, as the colder weather can affect its performance. If your battery is more than three years old, consider having it tested to avoid any unexpected breakdowns. Keeping a set of jump leads and an emergency kit in the boot is also a good practice for the autumn and winter seasons.