Blog

Autumn brings a host of wonderful experiences, like scouring the orchards for the best apples and hiking through trails to enjoy the stunning fall colours. However, the season also introduces new road safety challenges. With shorter days, slippery roads, and unpredictable weather, driving can become inherently dangerous. Both drivers and road workers need to stay vigilant, as fall presents unique hazards that require extra caution and effective traffic management. The combination of falling leaves, fog, early morning frost and reduced visibility can make roads more hazardous, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Pedestrians, especially children, can be difficult to see during dusk when school activities are ending and traffic is at its peak. Because of these challenges, road safety is more important than ever, and adapting to these changing conditions is essential. In this blog, we’ll explore key strategies for improving road safety this fall. From safe driving tips for motorists to the significance of advanced traffic control measures like portable traffic signals, we’ll discuss various ways to make the roads safer for everyone this season.

Fall Driving Hazards: What to Expect

Reduced Daylight and Dusk Perils

As daylight hours get shorter, dusk often coincides with peak traffic times, meaning many drivers have to navigate in lower-light conditions. This reduced visibility affects not only drivers but also pedestrians and road workers. Children walking home from school or heading to after-school activities are especially at risk during these times, as they can be harder to see when crossing streets or intersections. To stay safe in low-visibility conditions, it’s essential to keep your headlights clean and in good working order. Turning on your headlights earlier in the day is also helpful, particularly in areas where the lighting can change suddenly due to trees or buildings casting shadows on the road. This simple action makes your vehicle more visible to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. Using low beams during dusk and dawn improves visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. However, it’s important to avoid using high beams unless you are in a completely dark, rural area, as they can reflect off rain or fog, reducing visibility and potentially blinding oncoming drivers.

Wet Leaves and Slippery Surfaces

While the sight of leaves blanketing the road may seem picturesque, don’t let this fool you - it can also be quite dangerous. Wet leaves create slippery surfaces that can feel like ice, reducing the traction of your tires on the road. This makes braking more challenging and increases the risk of accidents, especially during sudden stops or sharp turns. Drivers should remember that as leaves build up, they not only create slippery conditions but can also hide other hazards like potholes, uneven surfaces or debris on the road. Additionally, wet leaves can affect how your vehicle responds to steering, making it harder to maintain control during quick maneuvers. When driving on roads covered with wet leaves, it’s important to slow down and increase the distance between your vehicle and others to allow for extra stopping time. This heightened caution is especially crucial on rural roads, where fallen leaves tend to be more plentiful.

Fog, Rain and Early Morning Frost

Fall weather is known for being unpredictable. One moment, the sun may be shining, and the next, fog or rain could obscure your view of the road. Early morning frost is another significant hazard, particularly in shaded areas that stay slick throughout the day. As temperatures drop, frost can form on the road surfaces, increasing the risk of skidding. When driving in foggy conditions, it’s essential to slow down, use low-beam headlights and avoid high beams. Likewise, when dealing with frost or rain, always adjust your speed and increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Being aware of the weather conditions and ready to change your driving habits is key to staying safe in the fall. Another often-overlooked hazard is the “freeze-thaw” effect, where temperatures drop below freezing at night and rise during the day. This cycle can cause cracks in the road, leading to dangerous potholes that can damage vehicles or result in accidents. Staying mindful of these conditions and driving cautiously is critical during the fall season.

Fall Driving Hazards: Key Strategies for Drivers

Vehicle Maintenance

Proper vehicle maintenance is the first step to staying safe on the road and tackling fall driving hazards. With the unpredictable autumn weather, it’s essential to make sure your vehicle is in top condition. Start by checking your tires for proper inflation and tread depth, as worn tires can lose traction on slippery roads. It’s also important to replace your windshield wipers and ensure that your headlights and taillights are working correctly. Scheduling regular maintenance checks and taking proactive steps before the weather worsens can significantly reduce your risk of accidents.

Adjusting Speed and Stopping Distance

During fall, it’s crucial to adjust your driving habits. Driving at slower speeds and increasing your stopping distance is key to preventing accidents, especially on roads covered in wet leaves or frost. Sudden braking or quick maneuvers can cause skidding, so be extra careful when approaching intersections, curves, or pedestrian areas. Increasing your stopping distance also gives you more time to react to obstacles like fallen leaves, road debris, or animals crossing the road, which are common during this season. A good rule of thumb is to keep a three-second gap between your vehicle and the one in front under normal conditions. When visibility is reduced, it’s wise to extend this gap to five seconds or more, allowing yourself ample time to respond to any sudden changes on the road.

Enhancing Fall Road Safety with Portable Traffic Signals

While drivers can take many steps to enhance their safety, effective traffic control measures are crucial for managing vehicle flow, especially during fall weather. Portable traffic signals offer a practical solution, particularly in construction zones or areas with temporary work. Autumn often brings increased road maintenance before winter, making these signals vital for ensuring safe passage through work zones. Portable traffic signals, like those made by North America Traffic, are built to withstand changing weather conditions and reduced visibility. Equipped with bright LED lights, they remain visible even in fog or heavy rain, helping both drivers and pedestrians stay informed about any fall road closures, detours or slow-moving traffic. NAT’s portable traffic signals can provide lane control for both short- and long-term applications and can be placed in advance of work zones to warn drivers of approaching sites. For example, NAT’s AWF2.8 Advanced Warning Flasher can be strategically positioned to alert drivers to slow down as they approach a work zone. Many of these portable traffic signals also feature remote monitoring capabilities, allowing traffic management teams to quickly adjust timing or reroute traffic as conditions change. This flexibility is crucial in the fall when unexpected weather can quickly turn a safe road into a dangerous one. Another key challenge during autumn is managing traffic in school zones around construction sites and work zones where children may be crossing roads in reduced daylight. Our PED 2.9 Portable Pedestrian Signal can be deployed to ensure that drivers remain aware of pedestrian intersections, helping students feel safe crossing, regardless of when the sun goes down. With NAT’s expansive line of portable traffic signals, you can enhance safety for all road users throughout the season.

Improve Safety This Fall With NAT’s Portable Traffic Signals

Fall presents unique driving hazards, but with the right approach, we can significantly improve road safety. By adjusting your driving habits, staying alert to changing road conditions and utilizing traffic control solutions like NAT’s portable traffic signals, you can create a safer experience for everyone on the road. Whether you’re a motorist, pedestrian or road worker, being vigilant and following safety guidelines during fall can help reduce accidents and keep everyone safe. As the leaves fall and the days get shorter, let’s commit to fostering a culture of safety on our roads this autumn. For more information about our portable traffic signals and how they can improve safety at your work site this fall, contact us today.