Fall driving safety tips to protect you from hidden hazards
August 28, 2025
Key insights
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Wet leaves, frost, glare, and wildlife all contribute to longer stopping distances and reduced visibility in fall.
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Deer-related collisions peak between October and December, requiring heightened vigilance.
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Pedestrian and cyclist activity increases during twilight hours, so drivers should reduce speed and be alert.
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Tire changes are critical: winter tires outperform all-season tires once temperatures consistently fall below 7 °C or 45° F.
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Proactive seasonal maintenance like windshield care dramatically reduces accident risk.
Autumn driving safety tips matter more than you think
The challenges that come with autumn driving are often underestimated. With colorful leaves and crisp mornings, many drivers don’t realize how much road conditions shift between summer and winter. Hazards like wet leaves, reduced daylight, glare, frost, fog, and wildlife can all reduce visibility and reaction time. The following fall driving safety tips will help you adapt to these seasonal challenges and stay safe on the road.
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Slow down on leaf-covered roads
Wet leaves are more than just a nuisance, they can be as slick as ice. They cover lane markings, hide potholes, and reduce traction. At 45 mph/72 kph, it can take 200 feet to stop on wet, leaf-covered pavement compared with 80 feet on dry roads.
Tip: Reduce your speed on roads covered with leaves, especially when turning. Also be cautious near large piles of leaves as children or animals could be hiding within. Avoid hard braking and maintain a larger following distance to minimize skidding risks. -
Be alert for deer and wildlife during autumn driving
Deer are most active during fall, particularly between October and December, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. These animals often move in groups, and collisions can be severe.
Tip: Use high beams when safe in rural areas, scan roadsides for movement, and slow down immediately if you see one deer because others are likely close by. Extra vigilance during dusk and dawn is essential. For more wildlife related tips, here’s how to avoid an animal collision.
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Manage sun glare with polarized lenses
The sun sits lower in the sky during autumn driving, creating intense glare during morning and evening commutes. Glare can temporarily blind drivers, making it difficult to see traffic lights, signs, or pedestrians.
Tip: Keep your windshield spotless inside and out, wear polarized sunglasses, and adjust your sun visor before heading out. Slow down and increase following distance when glare reduces your visibility.
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Be extra alert for pedestrians and cyclists at dusk
As daylight hours shorten, more pedestrians and cyclists are out at twilight, often wearing dark clothing or without reflective gear. Reduced visibility makes spotting them harder.
Tip: Reduce your speed in residential areas and near schools. Always check mirrors and blind spots when turning or backing up. Anticipate slower movement at crosswalks and intersections.
- Adjust your driving in frost and fog
Morning frost obscures windshields and mirrors, while fog reduces visibility and can cause drivers to misjudge distances. Bridges and overpasses freeze before other parts of the road, adding hidden danger.
Tip: Allow for extra time in the morning to fully defrost your windshield. When driving in fog, you should use low-beam headlights (never high beams), reduce speed, and increase your following distance to give yourself more reaction time.
- Change tires before temperatures drop too low
Tires directly affect braking, handling, and stability. Using the wrong tires for the season compromises safety and increases the risk of accidents.
Tip: Follow the 7 °C or 45° F rule: Switch to winter tires once daily temperatures remain below 7 °C for a week. Winter tires perform best in cold weather because of softer rubber compounds and deeper tread patterns.
Don’t wait until the first snowfall. Change tires early in the season to ensure maximum grip during cold, wet, and icy conditions. Waiting too long risks sliding, longer stopping distances, and premature tire wear. Make sure you check and follow your fleet’s tire policy to stay compliant.
Regional requirements: In Canada, Quebec mandates winter tires from Dec 1–Mar 15 and certain parts of British Columbia require winter or M+S (mud and snow) tires from Oct 1–Apr 30.
Safety tips for fall driving make all the difference
Each autumn driving hazard, whether slick leaves, wildlife, glare, pedestrians, frost, or fog reduces visibility and increases stopping distances. By using these autumn driving safety tips and preparing your vehicle with seasonal maintenance such as timely tire changes, you can significantly reduce risk and ensure a safer, more confident drive this fall.
FAQs: Autumn driving safety tips
Q: What are the most important safety tips for fall driving?
A: Slow down on wet leaves, watch for deer, manage sun glare, stay alert for pedestrians at dusk, and prepare for frost and fog.
Q: What should you do when driving in fog?
A: When driving in fog you should always use low-beam headlights, reduce your speed, and maintain a larger following distance.
Q: When should I change to winter tires?
A: Switch tires when daily temperatures stay below 7 °C or 45° F consistently. In some regions, like Quebec and some areas of British Columbia in Canada, it is legally required during certain months. Make sure you check and follow your fleet policy.
Q: Why is autumn driving more dangerous?
A: Reduced daylight, slippery leaves, increased wildlife activity, sun glare, and early frost or fog all combine to decrease visibility and reaction time.
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