The fall driving season starts for many regions of the United States on Labor Day, particularly when it coincides with a holiday weekend. This prelude to the busier holiday driving season is not as dangerous as the summer; however, research studies by the American Automobile Association (AAA) indicate that the frequency of road traffic accidents during autumn is higher than during the busy driving season that begins with the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Higher accident rates during autumn, which is when many people take scenic drives to enjoy the fall colors, are marked by the changing weather conditions and a higher concentration of traffic along corridors often used for holiday travel.
Hazards and Increased Risk Factors of Fall Driving
As seasons change, so do weather conditions and their impact on road traffic. Some regions will get drizzling rainfall that leaves the roads slicker than during summer, thus creating driving hazards for vehicles that are not equipped with all-season tires. This can be more problematic with rear-wheel drive performance cars when temperatures drop after autumn drizzles, thus turning into sleet.
Fall is when the temperature inversion effect is more prominent. In essence, the air near the ground is colder than the air above the surface, thus trapping moisture closer to the road and creating foggy conditions. Driving through fog is risky when it reduces visibility, making it difficult for drivers to see cars, pedestrians, and road hazards. Fog often forms after autumn drizzles, thus combining two risks into a hazardous driving situation.
The effects of climate change are causing some regions to get autumn breezes of higher intensity and longer duration. This explains why many drivers are encountering more debris on the roads. On suburban streets, you have to watch for garbage cans, lids, and even patio chairs. On country roads, fallen leaves combine with drizzle to create a slippery biomass. On major highways, you may see construction debris from road sections undergoing maintenance or expansion.
Sun glare is another risk factor to be mindful of, particularly during the early morning hours. The lower position of the Sun during autumn causes light to be reflected at more acute angles for a blinding effect. Then there’s the matter of animals migrating and seeking shelter as the fall transitions to winter; this is when you have to be extra alert when driving on rural roads.
Safety Measures for Fall Driving
Autumn is not a season for speeding. If you see patches of fog or road sections covered in wet leaves, slowing down is the best way to drive through these hazards. Smart drivers know that getting to their destinations will take longer, so they set off earlier.
The condition and type of tires can make fall driving safer. Getting your tires rotated shortly after Labor Day is a wise move, and it would be wiser to install all-season or winter tires. If your car is equipped with all-wheel drive and electronic traction control, set the drive mode to snow, rain, or slippery conditions. Bring sunglasses in case your windshield cannot reduce the glare, and pay more attention to driver-assistance notifications about road hazards such as pedestrians and animals on the road.