Tips For Driving During The Fall

November is a dangerous month on Pennsylvania roadways. Less daylight combined with roads covered in wet leaves, morning and evening freezes, and reduced visibility can lead to more hazardous driving conditions. November is also an especially dangerous month in Pennsylvania for car accidents involving collisions with deer. Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, often when commuters are on the roads.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority (IFPA) offered several safe driving tips for fall and early winter. Drivers should slow down and use extra caution on leaf-covered roadways, as wet leaves cause slippery conditions and can cover traffic lines. Drivers can maximize their reaction time by increasing the distance between vehicles, especially in inclement weather and at dawn or dusk. Drivers are reminded to pay attention to bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas where icy spots can form.

It is important to check a vehicle's headlights, tail lights, and turn signals to ensure they are working properly. Sun glare can coincide with the morning and evening rush hours, and according to PennDOT, 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.

Drivers should use their car's low beams to improve visibility when driving in fog. People should never drive with frost on their windshield or back window. Tractor trailers have blind spots, so drivers should take extra care in passing. Big rigs take longer to slow down than cars, so motorists should keep a safe distance and share the roadway. Drivers should check that their tires have sufficient tread depth. Drivers should not text and drive and should avoid other distractions. When driving, seat belts should always be buckled.

In the event of an accident, drivers should know what their automobile insurance covers in terms of property damage and injury. Drivers may call their insurance agent or company if they are unsure of what their policy covers.

The roadways present many hazards to drivers in November, but drivers can take steps to help increase their safety.

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