The dry, calm conditions meant that we all enjoyed a lovely Autumn display on the trees but as the dry spell comes to an end and winds are forecast, all of those leaves are going to end up on the ground - a lot of them on our roads.
That will mean a big change in the driving conditions. We've pulled together some tips to help you cope with this and other late Autumn conditions.
The Dangers of Leaves on the Road
When leaves accumulate on the road and get wet, they can get extremely slippery. Driving through an accumulation of these can be similar to driving on ice. Besides reducing the car's grip, causing skidding and the possibility of losing control of the vehicle and leaves often cover the road markings. Add to these that leaves make it difficult to see potholes and bumps in the road and you can see the dangers.
Slow down if you are driving on a road covered with leaves, especially when driving around turns.
Allow yourself extra room to stop in an emergency. Keep a greater distance between you and the car in front of you.
Other things to consider
Calm Autumn days can also bring Fog. When driving in fog, set your headlight to low beam. This setting aims the beam of light down towards the road.
Keep your headlights clean and replace any dodgy bulbs straight away.
Replace your windshield wiper blades if they show any signs of wear.
Consider keeping a pair of sunglasses in your car. Autumn sunrises and sunsets can be bright. The bright sun often creates a large amount of glare, making it difficult to see other vehicles, or even the road.
