Fall brings cozy sweaters, pumpkin-flavored everything, and beautiful leaves. But as the season changes, so do the challenges on the road. From slippery leaves to early sunsets, autumn adds a few unique twists on the roads that can catch even the best drivers off guard. Staying prepared and alert can make all the difference in keeping you and others safe throughout the season.

Is Driving in Autumn Really More Dangerous?

While you might think winter is the most dangerous time to be on the road, that’s not the case. Data shows that about 170 million U.S. drivers (approximately 72%) live in states where autumn is the peak season for damage caused by vehicle accidents.

The National Safety Council reports that in 2021 and 2022, the number of deaths by miles traveled peaked in September. Over the past several years, October also had the third-highest number of vehicle fatalities. And September through November 2022 saw a total of 12,277 motor-vehicle deaths.

So, how can you stay safer on the roads this fall? Let's take a look. 

Tips for Safe Driving During the Fall Season

One of the primary reasons traffic accidents peak in fall is that seasonal changes can catch drivers off guard. Understanding these challenges and being prepared can make all the difference. Start with these six tips. 

1. Be Ready for Weather Changes

In many states, fall brings rain, fog, and the season’s first morning frost. All of these conditions can make the roads more hazardous, and staying safe requires you to adjust your driving habits. On rainy or foggy days, turn on your headlights, slow down, and keep a safe following distance to give yourself extra time to react. 

You'll also probably have to put air in your tires on the first cool morning. If you drive without enough air in your tires, the rubber will make additional contact with the ground. This causes extra friction, which can lead to a blowout. And when that happens, you could end up changing a tire on the side of the road… or worse. In 2022, 562 people died from tire-related incidents. 

2. Plan for Fewer Daylight Hours

Every year on the first Sunday in November, the clocks turn back. That means sunset will arrive an hour earlier. To stay as safe as possible, turn your car lights on earlier and drive slightly slower. If you're nearsighted or have other vision-related problems, like night blindness, schedule an eye test before the fall season.

Poor night vision can affect depth perception, and the glare from streetlights and oncoming headlights can compromise your vision. Night vision also deteriorates as you get older. If you find it challenging to drive at night, try to avoid it as much as you can. While only about 25% of driving occurs at night, the National Safety Council reports that 50% of traffic accidents happen after dark. 

3. Watch Out for Slippery Roads and Debris

When it rains, wet leaves on the roadway are almost as dangerous as ice, making it hard for your tires to grip. Hitting the leaves wrong can cause the vehicle to go into a scary slide, and regaining control of the car can be difficult. If you do start to slide on leaves, treat it as if you are hydroplaning. Take your foot off the gas, don't brake, and steer the car in the direction you want to go.

Fall storms and wind can also scatter debris, like branches or small rocks, onto the roads. Keep an eye out for anything that might obstruct your path, especially in wooded or rural areas. Driving a bit slower and staying alert to road conditions can help you react quickly if you encounter unexpected debris.

4. Stay Alert in School Zones

Fall is back-to-school time, which means you have to pay extra attention in school zones. Remember that kids can be unpredictable and may not pay attention to traffic. Watch out for children boarding and exiting buses and crossing streets. Always follow the rules when it comes to school zone speed limits and driving near school buses.

5. Be Extra Careful on Halloween

When Halloween rolls around, be extra careful. When trick-or-treaters hit the streets, their minds are only focused on the bounty of candy they hope to bag, not on their own safety. In the U.S., it is one of the deadliest nights of the year for kids. Children are twice as likely to be killed in a car-related accident on Halloween. At night, if kids are wearing dark-colored costumes, you won’t easily see them running into a road.

6. Look Out for Wildlife on the Move

Fall is deer mating season. Many find their way onto roads and highways, resulting in an increase in deer-vehicle collisions. State Farm reports that around 1.8 million animal collisions occurred between July 2022 and June 2023. There were also 184 deaths caused by crashes with animals in 2022 alone.

Keep in mind, deer aren’t the only animals on the move — dogs, raccoons, and coyotes are also commonly hit on roads this time of year. Staying alert and reducing risky driving behaviors, like speeding or checking your phone, can help you avoid these sudden hazards. Keeping your headlights on and scanning the road ahead can give you extra time to react if an animal suddenly appears.

Make Safety a Priority This Fall

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year, but it also brings some driving challenges. To stay safe and avoid accidents, stay alert, watch your speed, and avoid distractions. And if you want to make sure you’re really prepared, think about taking an online defensive driving course with DriversEd.com. It’s a fun and easy way to sharpen your skills and feel more confident behind the wheel.

Updated 11/13/2024