As we get into the cooler months of the year, I wanted to post a few friendly driving reminders!
Accidents are Accidents, unpredictable. But many may be avoided by keeping a few things in mind while driving this time of year.
DEER
*1. Be cautious while driving during dusk or dawn
Deer are most active during sunrise and sunset, especially during mating season, which is in full swing from October through December. Ensure that you and your passengers are wearing seat belts at all times, even in the back seat, just in case you have to make a sudden stop.
2. Pay attention to deer crossing signs
Be alert and observe your surroundings for any signs of wildlife while on the road. Deer are abundant in forested areas, but may wander into suburban neighborhoods in search of food, so it’s important to drive cautiously even if you’re no longer in a deer-crossing zone.
3. Stay alert if you spot a deer
Deer tend to travel in packs – so if you see one deer, slow down and proceed with caution. Even if you spot a deer on the side of the road or surrounding areas, remember that there could be others about to cross your path.
4. Take precautions when driving at night
Nighttime driving can put a strain on the eyes, so be safe by driving at a moderate speed. If there is no oncoming traffic, turn on your high beams: You’ll not only be able to see clearer, but you’ll have a greater chance of spotting a deer from a distance
5. Don’t swerve to avoid hitting a deer
Do not swerve to avoid a deer collision. By swerving you put yourself at risk for a worse collision with another vehicle or running off the road. Stay in your lane and try to slow down.
ICE
With the cooler wether creeping up on us quickly this year, we may experience more hazardous driving conditions sooner than you may anticipate.
**”Bridge Freezes Before Road”. Those signs you see ARE true! One of the most dangerous types of road icing threats comes from bridges and overpasses. A bridge is exposed to air on all of its surfaces – on top, underneath and on its sides. By contrast, a normal road surface is only exposed to air on one side, its top surface. When temperatures drop, this means bridges will cool and accumulate snow and ice faster than roadways on solid ground.
An icy bridge’s most dangerous threat is their element of surprise – they catch drivers off guard, who are traveling at full speed because the rest of the roads are either clear or just a little wet. The consequences of driving onto ice at highway speeds can be catastrophic, as the loss of control and impacts happen much faster than in most other conditions. Slides are often unrecoverable and chain-reaction type accidents are common, as additional vehicles will often lose control in the exact same location.
So please SLOW DOWN, as we are entering cooler months with increased driving hazards. Lets all stay safe!
*https://blog.nationwide.com/vehicle/vehicle-safety/drive-safely-during-deer-season/
**https://icyroadsafety.com/icybridges.shtml#:~:text=Icy%20Bridges%3A%20Taking%20Drivers%20by%20Surprise&text=One%20of%20the%20most%20dangerous,one%20side%2C%20its%20top%20surface.
