Autumn Driving Safety Hints
Thursday, October 23rd, 2008In many parts of the country, the season of autumn means wet, soggy weather, limiting your visibility when driving. Combine that with winds and blowing leaves, and road conditions can become slippery and potentially dangerous.
Clear your windshield. A good set of wiper blades is important to keep visibility at the best level possible. Replace the rubber blade part of the wiper or the whole arm as soon as you notice it is worn or cracked, or that streaks are left behind while operating.
Tires matter. Take the time to research tire manufacturers to learn how well their products have been rated for rain use. Traction handling and distance braking in wet conditions are two areas to focus on. Additional safety information can be found on the website of the Department of Transportation (www.dot.gov).
Be alert. Back when my daughter was a rookie driver, I followed her home in my own car during an extreme rain storm. I was surprised to see that she was driving as if it was a dry sunny day! Since it takes longer to stop on a wet surface than on a dry one, driving slower is the smart thing to do. Kick your alertness into high gear. If the car in front of you stops suddenly, your speed and level of attention will matter in avoiding an accident. It’s always a good idea to turn on your lights whenever it’s raining.
Pull over. If you are in a heavy downpour with visibility so limited you can’t adequately see other vehicles, don’t hesitate to pull over until it lets up. Make sure you pull over to a safe area such as a parking lot or a rest area. Stopping at an underpass can be dangerous, as other vehicles may not be able to see you.