08/11/2023 10:56
As we head into the autumn season, we’re in for a few changes. From falling leaves to clocks going back, with the changing weather comes new driving conditions.
Whether you’re an experienced driver or are newer to the roads, in this article we remind you of all you need to know for safe driving this autumn.
Other than falling leaves, the darker nights coming in are one of the earliest signs of autumn. After Halloween, the clocks go back one hour meaning shorter days and darker nights.
For many, this can feel slightly new after getting used to light nights in the summer. If it’s been a while since you’ve driven in the dark, we recommend getting out on a short drive when it starts to get dark to help you re-adjust.
When driving in the dark, it’s important to make sure your vehicle’s headlights are on. You should turn on your dipped headlights an hour before sunset and keep them on until an hour after sunrise. This will help make sure you can be seen at all times during the night.
For country roads, you’ll need to use main beam headlights as these are often unlit. Make sure to switch back to dipped headlights at the first sign of an oncoming car, to avoid dazzling other drivers.
Along with snow and ice, fog is one of the things you don’t like to see when opening your curtains on a morning.
But fog is increasingly common in damp weather as the temperature begins to drop. Driving in it can be unpleasant with your visibility restricted all around.
Remember how to switch on your fog lights? You’ll need to if you have to drive in foggy conditions. The Highway Code instructs you to use these when visibility is reduced to under 100 metres so that other vehicles can see you.
It’s important to turn your fog lights off once visibility improves, as they can confuse or dazzle other drivers in clearer conditions. You can also be fined for leaving these on if caught by the police.
Fog can be particularly hazardous when approaching junctions where you can’t see the flow of traffic. Here, you’ll need to roll down your window and listen for traffic where you can’t see it.
Make sure to emerge only when you are sure there is no oncoming traffic and commit to your decision.
When fog freezes, this can turn into black ice, which can be extremely slippery and dangerous. To avoid the risk of skidding, reduce your vehicle’s speed and take your time.
Autumn showers are common at this time of year, and they often tend to be heavy. Plus, with prolonged periods of rain things can get really problematic with surface water and flooding.
Turn on your windscreen wipers when driving in the rain to make sure you can see clearly. You’ll need to take extra care when driving through large puddles as well, maintaining a low gear and a slow speed. Other things you should do when driving through water include:
With heavy rain sometimes comes high winds, and you’ll need to be aware of these too. High winds can cause your vehicle to sway slightly on the road, so keep your hands held tightly on the steering wheel and reduce your speed.
Be careful when overtaking high-sided vehicles like trucks. These can be particularly unstable in windy conditions.
In the autumn and winter months, you’ll notice the sun is a lot lower when driving which can obstruct your view. That’s why it’s good to keep sunglasses in your glovebox and pull down your sun visor when needed.
Keep your windscreen and windows clean to avoid glare when the sun shines through. You should also avoid looking directly into the sunlight or oncoming vehicles as this could dazzle your eyes.
Practising mindful driving can be the difference between a safe journey and an accident. There are a few things you can do in general as a driver to ensure your safety and that of others.
With all those fallen leaves lying around, things can be easily obscured – like road markings and potholes. We recommend driving at a lower speed so you have plenty of time to anticipate anything in the road ahead.
You’ll also need to watch out for more vulnerable road users like children, cyclists, and pedestrians who may be crossing near you on the road. This is especially important at nighttime if these road users are not wearing reflective clothing.
We also tend to see more animals in and around the roads in the autumn, such as rabbits, foxes, or hedgehogs on their way to hibernation.
Keep your eyes on the road at all times so you can spot any potential hazards on the road, and always make sure to follow speed limits.
Now you know what to keep in mind when driving this autumn, use our helpful autumn driving checklist to make sure you’re prepared.
We hope you’ve found this article useful and feel ready to take on the changing weather!
Is your lease coming to an end? It’s never too early to start thinking about your next Motability vehicle. Browse our latest stock today and see what catches your eye.
Read our article on switching from manual to automatic if you’re thinking of making a change.
If you have any questions about your lease or need help finding your next vehicle, get in touch with an expert from our team. We’ll be happy to give you a call!