Fall is in full swing and while it may not be as dangerous as winter, there are still some precautions you should take when driving during this season. Some of our fleet fuel card clients are those who drive across the country on a regular basis, and safety is especially important in long trips. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Leaves
Yes, the red, yellow, and orange leaves of fall are pretty, but they can also pose a threat to your driving conditions. When there are wet leaves on the road, it makes the surface much more slippery, so try to avoid driving over collections of leaves while it’s raining. Leaves can also be dangerous dry – be sure not to park on top of a pile of leaves. The heat from your catalytic converter could spark a fire.
Daylight
As the temperatures drop, we lose more and more daylight, so make sure you pay more attention while you’re on the road early in the morning or in the evening. You may be used to going to work or leaving work while it’s still light, and since driving the same route in the dark isn’t the same, it’s important for you to be alert.
Deer
Deer season is fast approaching, so be on the lookout for sudden movements. Hitting a deer can be very dangerous – especially at high speeds, so be sure to use your high beams whenever possible and know what to do if you hit a deer. For more information, read out blog about how to avoid deer collisions.
Tires
Because the temperatures can fluctuate so much this time of year, you’ll need to pay attention to your tires. As the weather gets colder, your tires will contract and as it gets warmer, they’ll expand, so check them periodically to make sure they’re not losing too much pressure. Keeping your tires properly inflated will also help you save gas and will give you a smoother ride.
Wipers
You never know what kind of precipitation fall weather will bring, so the best thing you can do is invest in a good pair of windshield wipers. Get ones that are properly fitted to your vehicle model and clean them regularly with window cleaner to remove any buildup that could hinder your vision.
