Driving in fall? Help make Ontario roads safer by following these fall driving safety tips.
A country of extremes, Canada experiences warm and humid summers along with cold, harsh winters. As Canada transitions into the cooler fall months, there are several repercussions when it comes to road safety and the avoidance of motor vehicle accidents. Fall driving safety should be a top concern for everyone in Ontario. With darker evenings, poor visibility, and more road debris from fallen leaves, driving in fall can be a stiff test for drivers of all abilities.
Of course, it’s great fun taking the family out of town to experience the countryside bathed in glorious golds, yellows and browns. But remember to keep these fall driving tips top of mind. This way, you can ensure that you and your loved ones avoid serious motor vehicle collisions this season.
Always remember these 8 tips before driving in fall
Go the extra mile to ensure you are creating a safe driving environment for yourself and others this fall season.
1. Sunglasses
The sun is lower in the sky during fall. Therefore, you should keep a pair of sunglasses in your glove compartment. A proper pair of sunglasses can improve visibility by filtering out 90 per cent of UVB and UVA rays. The result is less eye strain and better visibility during periods of sun glare in the early mornings (7:30am to 9:00am) and before sunset (5:00pm – 6:30pm).
2. Reduce your speed
Reduce your speed in residential areas, especially since September onwards is back-to-school season. As driving speeds increase, reaction times decrease. Higher speeds can result in more serious injuries and sometimes death.
3. Drive with properly functioning lights
Regularly inspect your headlights and all other car lights to ensure they work during darker evenings. According to the National Safety Council, just 25 per cent of driving takes place at night but 50 per cent of traffic deaths occur at this time. Properly working headlights can improve visibility and reduce the risk of a serious collision.
4. Hydroplaning
According to the Canadian Transportation Safety Board (2017), Canada sees approximately 160,000 car accidents per year. Furthermore, 2,800 to 2,900 of these accidents result in deaths. You should be aware of the threat of hydroplaning that can occur while driving in heavy rainfall. Also consider not driving at all in bouts of extreme weather.
5. Tire pressures
Tires contract and expand far more in colder weather, so drivers will need to regularly check their tire pressures during the fall months. Tire pressure tends to drop even faster as the weather becomes cooler. With a 10-degree drop in temperature, expect a 1 PSI (pounds per square inch) decrease in tire pressure.
6. Black ice
You should always drive to the speed limit but remember to drive under it once temperatures dip below freezing. So-called “black ice” can catch drivers off guard, increasing the likelihood of a collision. Transport Canada reports that black ice is most common between 4°C and -4°C, and is especially common on bridges and overpasses.
7. Leave extra space
Double your braking distance during fog, rain, and snow to ensure that you have enough time to come to a complete stop. Insurance claims spike during the months of November, December and January. Drivers are encouraged to keep three car lengths of space between themselves and other drivers if they are journeying through heavy fog, rain, or snow.
8. Wiper blades
Check your wiper blades and switch to winter wiper blades if necessary. Improperly working wiper blades can significantly reduce a driver’s vision and increase the potential for a collision by 90 per cent. Make sure your wiper blades are in proper working order when driving in fall and winter weather.
Accident while driving in fall? MG Law can help with any car accident claim in Ontario.
Remember, MG Law is experienced in handling car accident claims of all kinds. Whether you’re an Ontario resident injured in Ontario, or a Quebec resident injured when visiting Ontario, call 613-730-8460 to speak to our team of highly experienced car accident lawyers today. We work hard to provide you with all the details, so you can make informed decisions going forward.
