Autumn Safety in Pennsylvania: How to Drive Safer during the Fall Season 

Same roads. Totally different risks.

Fall in Pennsylvania brings packed Friday-night stadiums, colorful parades, and family-friendly festivals in nearly every town. It’s a special season, but it’s also one of the riskiest times for pedestrians. When excitement fills the streets, more people are walking in unexpected places, and one distracted moment behind the wheel can change everything.

Why Crashes Spike in Autumn

As the days get shorter, visibility drops right when school and community events ramp up. Many events and football games start or end at dusk, making it harder for drivers to see people crossing near stadiums or along town routes.

Add in families juggling kids, students on phones, and pedestrians stepping out between parked cars, and the potential for an accident increases dramatically.

Your Fall Driving Safety Checklist

If you’ll be driving near schools, stadiums, or town centers this fall, keep this quick checklist in mind:

✅ Slow down. Expect slower traffic near event routes and watch for sudden stops.
✅ Turn on headlights early. Even before sunset, headlights improve visibility for both drivers and walkers.
✅ Double-check crosswalks. Look both ways before turning, especially left.
✅ Speed reminder: In busy neighborhoods during fall events? Keep speeds low and yield even when you technically have the right of way

More Than Just Pedestrians

It’s not only people who create fall hazards. Wet leaves can act like ice beneath your tires, and piles of yard debris can hide potholes or create slick surfaces for cyclists and motorcyclists.

Taking a few minutes to clear leaves and debris from driveways and curbs can prevent serious crashes.

Stay Focused Behind the Wheel

Before you even shift into drive, set your GPS and activate “Do Not Disturb” on your phone. Use hands-free calling only if necessary, and remember: no notification is worth a life.

Every text can wait.

If a Crash Happens

If the unexpected occurs:

1. Stay calm and check for injuries.
2. Call the police immediately. Don’t assume someone else already has.
3. Document everything—photos, witness names, and details matter.
4. Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries appear hours or days later.

Make Safety Part of the Celebration

Fall events should create memories, not tragedies. Whether you’re heading to a parade, a game, or a Halloween night out, take the extra moment to look twice, slow down, and protect the people who make these traditions so special.

Marcus & Mack is proud to help keep Pennsylvania’s roads—and its families—safe.

If you or someone you love is injured in a crash, call 1-800-HURTLINE or visit marcusandmack.com for guidance and support.