With the many beautiful colors involved, autumn can be a lovely time of year. Unfortunately, a significant driving risk is also presented by those colorful leaves. In the wet, slick patches, leaves tend to stick together after falling on roadways and in other areas. Similar to black ice, a driving hazard is presented by these wet leaves. Your vehicle becomes harder to control if you hit a patch of them, and the risk of spinning or sliding increases.
If at all possible, you should avoid driving on wet leaves. If you have to drive in an area where they are unavoidable, there are some tips we can give you to help keep you safe. Let’s check those tips out now.
Well ahead of time, check your brakes. Are your brake rotors and pads in good condition? You may wish to have a mechanic inspect them. Your skating distance will be increased, you’ll take extra time to stop if you do not have properly functioning brakes.
Watch out for Children
Children and leaves go hand-in-hand, even if those leaves are wet. There could be piles of wet leaves on the side of the road and a child may decide to jump in it. You might not see the child in time. Foggy conditions make this possibility even more hazardous.
Tire Check
Your tires are a crucial part of safe stops. When was the last time you checked your tire treads? Replace your tires immediately if the tread is not adequate. Also, routinely check your tire pressure. When temperatures drop, tire pressures do as well.
Brake Gently
Even in good conditions, you can lose control by slamming on the brakes. Wet leaves make the problem even worse. Allow your vehicle to gradually decelerate by pressing on your brakes slowly. Keep an eye out ahead of you so you can stop in time for red lights, stop signs, debris, etc.
Keep Your Distance
Between you and the driver in front of you, there should be at least two or more car lengths, whenever possible. Compared to braking or accelerating in normal conditions, the same traction is not available when your vehicle is traveling on wet leaves. So you don’t end up colliding with the back of the car in front of you, make sure there’s enough space for you to stop. You do this by leaving more space than you may think is necessary between you and the cars in front of you.
Slow Down!
Slow your vehicle gradually if you encounter a leaf-covered road. Because high risk is presented by conditions such as this, the speed of your vehicle should always be well under the posted speed limit. Your vehicle will be harder to control the faster it’s going if your tires spin out.
If You Get into a Traffic Accident This Autumn, or Any Time, Contact Corradino and Papa, LLC
Though you may try to avoid driving on wet leaves as much as possible, the time will likely come when you don’t have a choice. Wet leaves, dry leaves, ice, and snow, all present a problem for even the safest drivers. If you are involved in a traffic accident involving wet leaves or any other circumstances, contact the law firm of Corradino and Papa right away.
We can also help you with representation involving a motorcycle accident, workers’ compensation issues, truck accidents, dog bites, and numerous other types of personal injuries. We will fight for your rights and do our best to see to it that you are fully compensated for lost work, pain and suffering from injuries, medical expenses, vehicle damages, and more.
Get in touch with us today for a free consultation.