Ideally, fall in New England means crisp, picturesque days filled with sunshine and foliage. However, this is not always the case as this past month has shown.
Unfortunately, fall can also mean foggy, damp days filled with rainfall and cold temperatures. Rainy weather, combined with leaves falling from trees, and poor visibility can create dangerous road conditions for New England drivers.
Wet leaves on roadways can cause them to be extra slick, and can decrease the traction of your tires.
With that in mind, here are a few tips for driving on slick New England roads in the fall:
- DRIVE SLOWER. The number one tip to keep in mind when driving on slippery roads is to slow down. Driving at or under the speed limit greatly improves your chances of preventing a car or motorcycle accident.
- If possible, turn on your low beams when driving in foggy conditions or at night. This will help illuminate the road and allow you to see accidents before they happen.
- Make sure your car is ready for fall weather. Check your break pads, windshield wipers and fluid, and headlights to ensure your car is safe to drive.
- Watch the road. Refrain from looking at your phone or changing the radio when on roads with wet leaves. Dangerous road conditions require drivers to pay extra attention to their surroundings and limit distractions.
- Use common sense. If you are going around a sharp turn, slow down. If you are on the highway and it is down-pouring to the point that you cannot see in front of you, consider pulling over if it is safe to do so.
- Be careful of moving objects in front of you. Fall means back to school, which means schoolchildren crossing the street. Fall also means deer crossing the road in rural areas. Be mindful on the unexpected.
- Make sure you download our mobile app (available for App Store and Android) to be prepared in the unfortunate event that you get a car or motorcycle accident.
