Fall driving hazards and tips to stay safe

“We see animal strikes in November at more than two times the yearly average frequency,” Cox says, adding that West Virginia, Iowa, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Michigan have the

highest rate of strikes.  Van Tassel also recommends that drivers slow down to decrease stopping distances. And if a deer is unavoidably in your path, he says, don’t swerve. “If someone

makes a hard jerk, it might make it more difficult to recover from that and stay on the road,” he says. Leaving the roadway brings “higher risk of crashing into trees or rolling over.”   

Headlight technology can help, adds Cox, as can AEB systems, some of which, she says, can also detect large animals. “If your vehicle does have these systems, make sure they’re active and

engaged,” Cox says. THE GOLDEN HOUR GLARE In autumn, the sun’s daily path is different. “The sun will not get as high in the sky,” Van Tassel says. This results in longer periods of glare

each morning and evening, often coinciding with daily commutes. The simplest aids in reducing glare should be familiar. “Use your car’s sun visor, and wear sunglasses,” Cox says. Polarized

sunglasses are particularly effective, according to Van Tassel.  Both also recommend to avoid driving during sunrise and sunset, and/or choosing alternative routes that avoid direct east or

west exposures. Van Tassel has additional checkup advice as well, this time for you, not your car. “Getting an eye exam each year in the fall is a great idea,” he says. “It can help identify

any vision problems as early as possible.” PREPARING FOR BAD WEATHER CAN BE A LIFESAVER If rain, fog or frost appears, he suggests remaining home, if possible. “It’s hard to get in trouble

if you’re not out on the road,” Van Tassel says, wryly. To prep for cooler weather emergencies, he recommends packing a supply kit in the trunk: “an extra phone battery, a charger cord,

water, blankets and maybe a deck of cards.” You can even purchase all manner of road kits from AAA, including those that contain supplies for emergencies (e.g., jumper cables and

flashlights), first aid (e.g., bandages and gauze) or foul weather (e.g., gloves, hand warmers, shovel, candles, ice scraper).