Avoid These Five Deadly Fall Driving Hazards!

Like many who began their day before the crack of dawn, I encountered a fair amount of fog on the morning commute.

Each autumn day brings new driving challenges, and I often mention and remind listeners to stay safe on our roads and highways and to look out for one another. Accidents can be devastating and expensive, and the few extra minutes you save may come at a tremendous cost.

Nonetheless, there are many reasons to revisit safe driving measures in autumn and the change of season.

Each morning when talking with meteorologist Karl Klopotic, I like to get the inside scoop for those commuters traveling throughout the tri-states to keep people aware of any potential hazards during their daily travels.

1. Rain can make everything slicker and more challenging to see, so it's wise to slow down when the roads are wet. Furthermore, wet leaves on the road can be as slippery as ice, so use caution on the curves when you see lots of leaves on the ground.

2. Deer are the most active from October to January. I've noticed more on my daily commute than usual. Keep a close eye out for the fawn, especially at dusk and dawn.

3. Shorter days mean earlier sunsets, requiring an adjustment during drive times with less daylight. Statistically, a lot of accidents happen during the evening and nighttime hours. So get in the habit of turning on those headlights.

4. Look out for schoolchildren during the mornings when they are going to school and afternoons when they head home. Especially when approaching school zones and crosswalks, approach with caution. When a school bus stops in front of your vehicle, obey the traffic laws and don't go around it!

5. Approach School Zones & Crosswalks with Caution! This past year I stopped for young kids in a crosswalk only to be rear-ended by drivers not paying attention. The impact pushed my vehicle into the schoolchildren's crosswalk and path. Luckily nobody was injured, but it served as a great reminder of the importance of all drivers using caution when approaching crosswalks.

Stay Safe On Our Roads and Highways!