Fall Driving…tips to keep you safe on the road during this beautiful season.

2018-10-17
By: Denise Koslowsky

Fall is here and so are the beautifully colored leaves!  It is one of our favorite seasons here at Advocate Brokerage (isn’t it everyone’s favorite?) and we want to be sure you and your family are safe as you hit the road to take it all in.

Leaves

Fall foliage is one of the perks of the season for those of us living in the Northeastern part of the United States.  People travel to our area in order to experience the beauty the season brings.  As beautiful as they are to look at, there are some things you need to keep in mind when it comes to leaves on the roadway:

• As the leaves fall, they can obscure traffic lines.  For those who are not as familiar with the roadway, this could create a danger.
• Fallen leaves can also cover potholes.  This could damage your car and potentially cause an accident.
• Leaves, especially wet leaves, can leave the roadway as slick as ice.  People tend to drive more cautiously when roads are ice but don’t take the same precautions when the roads are littered with leaves.  It is important during the fall season to avoid any hard braking just as you would do when the road is covered in ice.

Animals
You are 3.5 times more likely to hit an animal during the month of November. Autumn is a migrating and mating season for many animals but most notably deer.  Drivers need to be on alert, constantly scanning the road and brush ahead for animals, especially during dusk and evening hours.

Weather
With temperatures dipping below freezing in the evening, weather becomes something you need to consider before getting behind the wheel.  Cold mornings can bring fog which limits your visibility.  Many people turn on their high beams to gain better visibility but that is not the best idea.  High beams can bounce off fog and create a glare.  Instead, turn on your low beams and take it slow during your morning commute.  Pretty soon frost will be a major concern.  With the temperature dropping at night, depending on what time you are leaving the house, icy roads could be an issue.  Be sure to proceed with caution taking special care when you encounter bridges and shaded areas as they will ice over first and hold on to the ice longer.

Fall Driving Trips

• Drive slow. We know you have places to go and people to see but with all the potential risks the season brings, a slower pace will keep you safe and allow you take in the beauty the season brings.
• Keep your distance. Rain + fallen leaves = a slippery mess.  Remain a safe distance from the car in front of you so that you have plenty of time to stop.  If you are behind a car with out of state plates, chances are they are here to take in the fall foliage; tourists are more likely to slow down or stop unexpectedly to take a photo.
• Watch for wildlife. This is the prime season for accidents involving animals to occur. As you are driving be sure to scan the roadside for deer.  If you see one, be on alert and slow down until you are safely past them.
• Stay on top of automobile care. Keeping your windshield clean, making sure your wiper blades are in good condition and your tire pressure is maintained are three things you can do to keep you and your family safe especially during autumn.

We want you to enjoy fall and all the beauty it brings knowing that you and your family are confident, carefree and covered.  If you have any questions regarding your automobile insurance, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 917-723-7100.  Advocate Brokerage takes pride in educating each client we serve and would love to answer any questions you may have.