Autumn carries more dangers on the roads

Remember that autumn is the time of the year when we face special threats. Bad visibility, fast darkness, rainfall or fog are factors that require special attention from drivers and pedestrians. That is why we appeal to increase the care for your safety on the road.

 

Autumn is one of the most difficult periods for drivers, early dusk, which is often accompanied by bad weather conditions drastically limiting visibility, greatly impair road safety. We remind you what is worth paying attention to when driving in autumn and how to prepare your vehicle for driving during this period.

 

Short and wet

 

In the fall days are relatively short compared to those that summer got used to. The toughest conditions for the driver when it comes to visibility is an early evening or morning when it rains. Then we have the impression that the lights do not illuminate the road, and the pedestrians become completely invisible. It is worth remembering that in autumn, when it is already dark, many people just come back from work and the movement is then the largest. Let’s be aware of how the car behaves on a wet surface. The braking distance, is definitely longer, and to fast entry into the bend can end straight.

 

Do not be surprised

 

The period between summer and winter is a period full of traps lurking for drivers. That is why we advise you to focus especially when driving, especially on roads that we do not know. Even when it is not raining, the surface is often wet or has variable grip. When driving on a dry road, we may be surprised that the surface or just before it will turn wet. Even if there is no ice on the road, the hard-to-cool summer tires on wet, cool surfaces will behave almost as if you were driving on snow. The next trap waiting for drivers are leaves and mud. In wooded areas where leaves fall on the road, we advise you to be vigilant. When the leaves get between the tire and the surface, the grip becomes very low and even the track stabilization systems and the anti-lock brakes will not help. Moving on roads in forest areas, remember about the activity of forest animals that can run across the road.

 

Prepare the car for autumn

 

There are two additional elements that affect the safety of driving in the autumn and winter, and which do not require large financial outlays. In the first place, it is good condition of the wiper blades, because frequent rainfall, combined with dark, require the best possible visibility, and at the same time clean glass without streaks. The second thing is the efficient and properly set lighting. The next days are a good opportunity to check that all the lights are on, but also whether the spotlight falls at the right angle.

 

Let yourself be noted

 

Every pedestrian, cyclist, as well as drivers of other two-wheelers, should remember about their safety and take care to be visible. A reflective vest, key chain, headband, or even a flashlight will make them easier to see for an oncoming driver when driving on a poorly lit road. Although the traffic regulations do not impose an obligation to use vests and reflective materials in the built-up area, they greatly improve visibility, giving drivers valuable time to take the right response – often saving health and life.

 

Please adhere to the advice described, which will certainly help to adapt to the new conditions on the roads.