Kids back to school: Often kids are as bad as animals for not checking the road before they try to cross, creating additional road hazards for drivers. Avoid school zones and be hyper-vigilant just before and after school hours. Remember that it’s illegal to pass a bus that’s loading or unloading kids on an undivided road.
And don’t forget about student drivers. According to the National Safety Council, teen crashes spike in September when kids head back to school, particularly just before and after school hours.
Shorter days and worsening weather: Dusk, dawn and darkness happen more often during the fall and winter, making it harder for drivers to see. While just 25 percent of our driving is at night, 50 percent of traffic deaths occur then, says the National Safety Council. They also say that often a 50-year-old driver needs twice as much light to see as well as a 30-year-old.
Rainy days also impact visibility, as does a fogged windshield on a cold, wet day. To combat these road hazards, you are better not to start your trip until the visibility is clear in the windshield, windows and mirrors. Also, slow down on rain-slick roads, particularly if it’s the first rain in awhile.
Probably because it’s the start of the winter season, but 34 percent of skidding and snow claims happen between October and December. Remember to ensure your vehicles have plenty of tread left on their tires, and that tires are properly inflated. Check the battery, windshield wipers, wiper fluid and anti-freeze levels, and keep gas tanks at least half full.
Holiday shopping: As the holidays approach, shoppers converge on malls and shops, short on time and patience. Reports indicate that 25 percent of parking lot claims happen between October – December. They recommend:
Auto theft: ‘Tis the season for auto thefts as well, as autumn turns into winter. It goes without saying, but we’ll repeat it anyway: Don’t leave doors unlocked. Don’t leave packages, electronics or briefcases visible on the seats. In fact, don’t leave anything of value in the car – even in the trunk.
Keep safe this season!
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