Driving Tips
Fall/Winter Driving
During late fall and early winter, the road and weather conditions make getting to our destination a little tougher. Stay safe on the road with these smart driving tips.
- Avoid sun glare. On and near the autumnal equinox, the first 15 to 45 minutes after sunrise and before sunset can make for more difficult driving due to sun glare. The sun aligns with east/west roadways during this time. Be sure to wear sunglasses for daytime use and keep your windshield clean.
- Use rain smarts. Our rainy season is here. When it’s raining, be sure to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, as road may be more slippery than usual and you may be at a higher risk of hydroplaning. Use your low beams or fog lights in foggy conditions and keep your high beams off.
- Don’t brake on leaves. Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice. Drive slowly through them and avoid hard braking. Leaves may make it difficult to see the lines and road markers on the road, so pay attention to the edge of the road and take extra care to stay in your lane.
- Be careful on bridges. As the temperature begins to drop, morning frost can leave icy patches on bridges, overpasses and shaded spots on the road. Be sure to SLOW DOWN!
- Adjust your eyes. We lose 1 to 2 minutes of daylight daily after the autumnal equinox according to the National Weather Service. After leaving home or school, give your eyes time to adjust to the dark. It takes them between 2 and 5 minutes to start adjusting.
- Vehicle Maintenance. Be sure to check your tire pressure, replace your windshield wipers, clean your windows and make sure your headlights are adjusted properly.
