Autumn in Indiana features beautiful fall foliage, cooler temperatures, and a host of unique driving challenges. As leaves turn golden and the days grow shorter, drivers need to take certain precautions to navigate the roads safely.
For example, it’s important to keep in mind that wet leaves on the road can create serious driving hazards. “Wet leaves?” you may be thinking. “My super heavy vehicle isn’t going to be affected by the presence of wet leaves.” Yet, wet leaves can prove to be as slippery as ice. They can minimize your vehicle’s traction and make it difficult to stop quickly. As a result, you’ll need to drive slower and more cautiously to better ensure that you don’t get into a crash partially – or totally – due to the presence of wet leaves on the road this fall.
Additional key concerns
As the days get shorter, you may find yourself driving in the dark more often, especially during early mornings and evenings. Compromised visibility can make it harder to see pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents. Make sure that your headlights are in good working order and consider using your headlights during twilight hours, even before it gets fully dark.
You’ll also want to keep in mind that fog is common in Indiana during autumn, particularly in the early morning hours. It can significantly reduce visibility, making it harder to see the road ahead. When driving in foggy conditions, slow down, use your low-beam headlights and increase your following distance to allow more time to react to any obstacles.
As temperatures drop, frost can form on roads overnight, especially on bridges and overpasses, which freeze faster than other road surfaces. Frost can make roads slick, so be cautious during early morning commutes. If you encounter frosty conditions, reduce your speed and avoid abrupt steering or braking.
Finally, note that autumn is deer mating season, and at dawn and dusk, deer tend to be more active. To avoid collisions, be especially vigilant when driving in rural or wooded areas. Use your high beams when appropriate to improve your ability to spot animals on the road.
Autumn in Indiana is beautiful – but dangerous. Being as proactive as possible can help you to stay as safe as you can be while driving this coming season.