Driving in the Fall: Why Do We Have to Be So Vigilant?
October 16 2020, Lexus Laval
Fall is generally not a season that is feared by motorists when it comes to road safety. However, it does have its share of surprises, and those who are not vigilant behind the wheel can be surprised. Here are five things to watch out for.
1 - The position of the sun
Every sunrise or sunset is an incredible sight, but on the road it can quickly turn into a nightmare. While any time of the year can bring us moments when driving is riskier because of the sun's position in the sky, it is more dangerous in the fall when, due to the drop in light, it happens more often during rush hour when roads are crowded. When the sun blinds us on the road, it takes away our reaction time in case of an emergency. Here, not only be vigilant, but if you can, delay your departures when you anticipate that the sun will be an enemy on your way home.
2 - Colder pavement
Chances are that in the fall, your vehicle will still be equipped with its summer tires. Summer tires lose their effectiveness when the mercury drops below seven degrees Celsius. For example, if grip is perfect in the middle of the day with a temperature of 17 degrees Celsius, it can be practically nil when you get home in the evening if the temperature is 3 or 4 degrees. Always be aware that the asphalt is cooler in the fall and that your summer tires were not designed to adhere to it.
3 - Leaves
When it rains in the fall, and the roads are already littered with dead leaves, the roads can turn into a real skating rink. The problem is that these situations are so rare that behind the wheel, you forget to watch out for them. Therefore, you should always check what the accumulation of leaves on the road looks like. When you see a sufficient amount of leaves, beware.
4 - Fog
Large temperature changes often cause fog patches to form. These can be light, but they can also be so intense that your visibility behind the wheel can become nil. Be aware of sudden changes in temperature and if roads are flooded with fog, consider spending the night somewhere and driving the next day. Don't skimp on the fog; it can be deadly.
5 - Ice
With the significant temperature changes that occur in the fall, it is important to watch for the appearance of ice patches that can form in no time. Also, remember that your summer tires are not designed to stick to ice and any puddles that crystallize have the potential to send you into the ditch.
