Hidden Risks of the Fall Season: Wet Leaves, Earlier Sunsets, and Changing Road Conditions
The Fall Season is one of the most beautiful times of year in the Capital Region, but the changing season can also bring new driving hazards.
Wet leaves, shorter days, foggy mornings, increased wildlife activity, and changing temperatures can all make the roads more challenging. As drivers settle into fall routines, a few extra precautions can help make every trip safer.
Wet Leaves Can Be More Slippery Than They Look in the Fall Season
Fallen leaves may look harmless, but when they become wet, they can create a slick surface that reduces traction.
Leaves can also cover potholes, road markings, curbs, and other hazards, making it harder to see what is underneath them.
When driving on leaf-covered roads:
- Reduce your speed
- Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns
- Leave extra space between vechicles
- Use extra caution on curves and hills
Earlier Sunsets Mean More Driving in the Dark
As the fall season continues, daylight hours become shorter. That means many drivers may suddenly find themselves commuting home in darker conditions than they were used to during the summer.
Reduced visibility can make it harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and other vehicles.
Before the season gets darker, check that your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are all working properly. Keeping your windshield clean can also help reduce glare from headlights and the setting sun.
Be Prepared for Foggy Mornings
Cool fall mornings can sometimes bring fog, especially near bodies of water, wooded areas, and low-lying roads.
If you encounter fog:
- Reduce your speed
- Use low- beam headlights
- Increase your following distance
- Avoid sudden lane changes
High beams can actually make visibility worse in dense fog because the light reflects back toward the driver.
Fall Season- Watch for Deer and Other Wildlife
Fall is an especially important time to stay alert for wildlife on the road.
Deer may be more active during the fall months, particularly around dawn and dusk. They are also commonly found near wooded areas and rural roads.
If you see one deer, remember there may be others nearby.
Slow down, stay alert, and avoid swerving sharply if an animal enters the roadway. Sudden swerving can increase the risk of losing control or colliding with another vehicle.
Changing Temperatures Can Affect Your Tires
Temperatures can change quickly during the fall season, especially between warm afternoons and chilly mornings.
Lower temperatures can cause tire pressure to decrease, which may affect handling, braking, and fuel efficiency.
Check your tire pressure regularly and inspect your tires for signs of wear. Proper tread depth becomes especially important as roads become wetter and winter weather approaches.
Give Yourself More Time
One of the easiest ways to stay safer during fall is simply to leave a little earlier.
School traffic, changing weather, road construction, darker conditions, and seasonal events can all make trips take longer than expected.
Giving yourself extra time can reduce the temptation to speed or make risky driving decisions.
Fall Season Is a Good Time to Review Your Auto Insurance
Seasonal changes can also be a good reminder to review your auto insurance policy.
You may want to contact your insurance agent if:
- You recently purchased or replaced a vehicle
- A new driver has been added to your household
- Your commute or vehicle use has changed
- You are unsure about your collision or comprehensive coverage
- You have not reviewed your auto policy in some time
For example, damage caused by hitting a deer is generally handled differently than damage from a collision with another vehicle, so understanding your coverage before an accident happens can be helpful.
Don’t Forget About Your Fall Toys
Fall is the perfect season to enjoy ATVs, UTVs, side-by-sides, motorcycles, campers, and other recreational vehicles.
Whether you’re hitting the trails, taking a motorcycle out for a fall ride, or spending weekends at camp, it’s important to make sure your favorite fall toys are properly insured.
Recreational vehicles often require their own insurance coverage and may not be fully covered under a standard auto or homeowners policy. If you recently purchased a new ATV, motorcycle, camper, or other recreational vehicle, or haven’t reviewed your coverage in a while, now is a great time to check in with your insurance agent.
Having the right coverage in place can help you enjoy everything the fall season has to offer while knowing your toys are protected.
Connect with an Agent
Fall brings changing road conditions, shorter days, and new driving hazards, making it a great time to review your auto insurance coverage. Whether you’ve added a new driver, changed vehicles, or simply haven’t looked over your policy in a while, our licensed agents are here to help.
At Northeastern Insurance, we want to make sure you’re prepared for whatever the road brings this season and help protect what matters most.