FALL ROAD HAZARDS

Posted on 9/13/2017

The autumn leaves drift by your window. They also pile up on the roadway. Rain falls. The leaves turn to slimy slick patches that are as dangerous as ice. They obscure potholes, curbs and street markings. Watch for them. On the other hand, if you live in areas of the country that are drought-stricken, avoid parking your car over piles of dry fallen leaves (or any dry foliage). Your catalytic converter could spark a fire.
Frost and ice. While September frosts are unusual in most parts of the country, they do happen, particularly in shady spots on roadways. Be especially careful when driving over bridges, which can freeze up faster than the rest of the road because they are exposed from the top and bottom.
Fall is deer mating season, so the danger of a deer darting onto a road, especially between dusk and dawn, increases now. Running into a deer will definitely ruin your day and your car. They tend to run in small herds, so if you see one, be alert for more. Allow more distance between you and the car ahead and always buckle up. If you do hit a deer, pull to the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights, call the police or highway patrol and stay in your car. Do not attempt to approach the animal. If it isn’t dead, it could injure you. Document the incident, ideally with photos, for insurance purposes.

Mishawaka Auto Repair