FALL DRIVING TIPS FROM MITCHELL JAY, OWNER OF MIDSTATE DODGE/HYUNDAI

Fall in Vermont is a magnificent time of year, warm days and cool nights for sleeping, our mountains display a collage of colors, and it is time for apple and pumpkin pies.  Fall brings its own set of challenges for motorists. Discover what makes fall driving a little more challenging.

Things to be aware of when driving in the fall…

Vermont weather is erratic and can change relatively quickly, especially in the fall.  One minute we can be enjoying a bright sunny day and by the time you get ready to hit the road in a couple hours, it could be cold and rainy.  For many of us, our commute home from work is done with little to no light left outside.

Let look at some of the challenges fall driving brings us:

 

Leaves and Rain

Our fall foliage is breathtaking, but leaves can build up on some road surfaces.  Add some rain and the combination can be like driving on ice.  It pays to slow down when you encounter these conditions.  Speaking of leaves, it is also time to be extra alert to the drivers on the road with you.  It is not unusual to round a corner, finding a leave peeper crawling along, or jamming on the brakes to stop and take a picture from the side of the road.

 

School Buses

Fall brings back-to-school traffic which means more cars on the roads and of course those bright yellow buses.  You also need to be on the lookout for children walking to and from school in the morning and afternoon.

 

Leaves (and leaf peepers)

Fall foliage is certainly beautiful, but as leaves begin to fall, they litter the roads, making streets slick while obscuring traffic lines and other pavement markings. They also hide potholes and other road hazards. And when it rains, it can make those wet leaves on the roadway as dangerous as ice.

Fog / Frost

Cold fall mornings can lead to fog, limiting your visibility.  Worse yet, extreme cold mornings can leave a layer of frost requiring you to take a little more time in the morning.  You want to be sure you clear you windows and be aware that a heavy layer of frost could also indicate a thin layer of ice may be possible if water puddles on a road surface and can create slippery spots on bridges and overpasses.

 

Deer

Fall brings an increase in deer activity.  Be alert for deer and moose, especially late in the day and during the evening hours.

Tire Pressure

Check your tire pressure: Since fall weather brings cooler temperatures tires will often contract. This can lead to a loss of pressure.