Watch Out for Fall Driving Hazards

Provided by AAA Mid-Atlantic:

Fall Driving Hazards: Watch for wet leaves, fog, sun glare and frost

• As leaves begin to fall, wet leaves on the roadway can be as slippery as ice. They also can obscure traffic lines and other pavement markings. Motorists should slow down and use extra caution on leaf-covered roadways.
• On a foggy fall day, motorists should use low beam headlights since the high beam setting creates glare and reduces visibility. Not only will headlights enhance visibility of your vehicle, state law requires headlights be on when wipers are in use.
• Sun glare can be most problematic during sunrise and sunset which coincide with morning and evening rush hours. The intense glare from the sun on the horizon can blind a driver, causing an unexpected traffic slowdown. Drivers can prepare for the glare by keeping a set of sunglasses handy, removing clutter from their sun visors and keeping the inside of their vehicle´s windshield clean.
• The fall brings cooler temperatures, and with it, morning frost and icy spots on the. Motorists should pay particular attention to bridges, overpasses and shaded areas on roadways where icy spots can form on the pavement. In addition to exercising caution while driving, motorists should clear their vehicles’ windows of frost before travel.