Fall Foilage in Hudson Valley

Driving Tips

Autumn is arguably one of the most beautiful times of year. But along with the changing leaves comes changing driving conditions. What should you do to prepare for the new season?

• Steer clear of wet leaves – wet leaves are slippery and reduce traction
• Make adjustments for the light – be on the lookout, if night vision is a problem,   adjust your driving times or find alternate well lit routes.
• Fall brings the first frost – keep a winshield scraper or small broom in your car and beware of black ice early morning and evening hours.
• Fall weather can present challenges to drivers. Remember when following other drivers, keep your distance. If you are being tailgated, let the other driver pass.   The fall foliage is beautiful, as long as it stays on the trees. But once those leaves start falling, get wet from rain they can become a serious driving hazard. Wet leaves are slippery and reduce traction. They can also cover parts of the yellow and white pavement markings on the road, making it difficult to determine shoulder and lane widths. Additionally, wet leaves can get clogged under your wiper blades, impeding wiper performance and visibility.
• Always keep your windshield clean of leaves, and watch for wet leaves on the roads especially as you are making turns.
• Also, park free of leaf piles as these can be a fire hazard against catalyst converters.
• Take Your Vehicle For A Full Check Up and have the following items checked by a professional: Battery cables, terminals, belts and hoses, air filters, windshield wipers and all fluids, Including:  anti-freeze, oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, automatic transmission fluid and windshield washer fluid.
• Check Your Tires. Are there signs of uneven tread wear? That could indicate under-inflation, unbalanced tires or misaligned wheels.
• Check your tire pressure with a gauge at least once a month and regularly inspect the tread depth. Your tread will be even more important during the autumn months when wet, dead leaves cover the roadways.
• Take Care Of Your Lights And Turn Signals. Fall, along with less favorable weather, also means it’s time to turn the clocks back for daylight savings. With a shorter day comes a longer night, so be sure your headlights, taillights and turn signals are in proper working order and shining at the appropriate levels.