Watch Out for Deer!

(And Other Autumn Driving Hazards)

It’s finally fall! The leaves are piling up, deer hunting season is on the horizon, and daylight is waning. Don’t be caught unprepared. We’ll tell you some common autumn driving hazards and how to best avoid them.

Leave Me Alone

While the falling leaves can be beautiful, they can cause quite a problem for drivers. More often than not, fall weather is wet weather, and when leaves hit wet pavement, they can be slippery as a banana peel. The wet leaves can stick to your tires and cause your car to slide, so never brake directly on top of them. Instead, if you notice many wet leaves on the road before a stop, try to brake earlier and more gently.  

Oh, Deer!

There’s a reason November marks the beginning of deer-hunting. October through December is the prime season for mating and a time for group migration. If you live in an area with a high deer population, be cautious when driving, especially along heavily wooded areas. Deer are most active in the early mornings and the evenings, so be especially vigilant when driving at these times. Also, keep in mind that deer are pack animals—so if you’re driving and you see one, odds are that more are to come. If a deer darts across the road in front of you, never swerve. This puts you at a much higher risk of collision. Instead, try to slow down as safely as you can. Decreasing speed will also decrease the damage to your car should you hit the deer. 

In A Fog

Fog and frost aren’t just a winter problem. The first frosts of the season could happen as early as October, so it’s important to allow extra time to defrost your vehicle. But it’s not just about your car — frost will also occur on bridges due to the cold air rushing beneath. When crossing a bridge, always proceed with caution and give the car in front of you ample spaces. 

On a foggy morning or evening, it’s important to consider the following. First, maintain a safe distance between you and other drivers, as visibility will be lower. Secondly, never use your high-beams in a foggy area. The bright light will reflect off water droplets in the fog and make it appear thicker. If your car has fog lights, definitely use them, but if not, stick to your normal headlights.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Even though most people associate rain with spring, autumn is also considered a rainy season. Rain during this time of year can pose a lot of threats that most people may not realize. Remember, rain and fallen leaves are not a good combination. Also, with daylight savings just around the corner, days will get shorter and sunset much earlier. When driving on a rainy night, it’s deeply important to stay alert. As Pennsylvania law requires, if it is raining and your windshield wipers are on, your headlights must also be on. And if you notice your wipers starting to streak, replace them as soon as possible.