Drive Safer This Autumn - Top Safety Tips

08/11/2023 11:24 Share

Slippery roads

Driving in the dark

Low lying sun

Foggy or misty weather

Heavy rain or floods

High winds

Prepare for driving in colder weather

With beautifully coloured leaves also come extra risks - from icy roads to low lying sun. Read our tips on how to drive in more difficult conditions.

Slippery roads

While leaves might be beautiful, when wet, they can make the road slippery. Plus, they may obstruct road markings and any potholes. It’s best to drive slowly when seeing lots of leaves on the ground.

Frost can also make the road icy in some places, especially across bridges and in shade. Reduce your speed especially in the early hours of the morning.

If you get lots of snow and ice where you live, it might be a good idea to change into winter tyres. These helps improve grip and control, avoiding accidents.

Driving in the dark

When the nights start getting longer, it is crucial that your car headlights work. Sometimes the heat of the summer may damage the bulb. It’s a good idea to get your headlamps changed to see properly.

Before setting off, make sure you know how to turn your full beam on and off. This helps you see clearer and further, reducing risk of accidents. However, make sure to turn the full beam off when you see another car approaching, to avoid from dazzling them.

Low lying sun

You should be aware of the low sun in autumn, which can blind you when driving. We recommend having sunglasses easily accessible. You can also quickly pull the sun visor down if the sun isn’t too low. This is especially important early in the morning and afternoon.

Foggy or misty weather

When the weather is foggy, the visibility is poorer. We generally encourage not to drive in misty weather, but sometimes it cannot be helped.

Firstly, you should drive slowly, as you cannot see as far as usual. You should also turn your fog lights on. Make sure not to turn the full beam on though, as you don’t want to dazzle other motorists.

Ensure there’s extra distance between yourself and the car in front of you to avoid accidents. This provides you more time to react. In junctions, roll your window down to listen other cars so you can be sure it’s safe to pull out.

When it’s misty, you might also come across black ice. This ice is very difficult to see, posing a serious danger.

Driving in Autumn

Heavy rain and floods

The main thing when driving in heavy rain is to slow down. This allows you more time to spot large puddles and standing water. These may hide a pothole, resulting in damage to your car.

Be also aware that waves from approaching vehicles can submerge your car deeper in the water. Make sure not to cross deep water.

In your engine cuts out when driving through deep water, turn your hazard lights on and call for assistance. Do not attempt to restart the engine, as this may result in damage.

High winds

If you must drive in high wind, hold your steering wheel tightly. You should be ready for sudden gusts of wind, especially if you are in an open area. These include fields and bridges.

If the wind is blowing hard, you should also be cautious of any debris coming into your path. Get ready to correct your course and avoid any clutter that might damage your vehicle.