The Dangers of Driving on Wet Leaves

With temperatures lowering and leaves falling, you must be cautious while diving on the roads in Pennsylvania. Although the scenery is beautiful and many enjoy observing the fall colors, leaves cause many implications for drivers. An unassuming pile of wet leaves on the road poses a greater threat than you may think. Wet leaves can be as dangerous as snowy or icy road conditions that can cause you to lose traction or stability while driving. So when you are driving this season, make sure to keep the following safety tips in mind.

Slow Down and Take Your Time

The last thing you need is to be in an accident and have to cancel your holiday plans. Slowing your speed on roads covered in leaves reduces your risk of an accident. When driving on unfamiliar roads, be aware of turns where a pile of wet leaves could be around the corner. Leaves can also be deceiving, hiding other dangers on the road, such as cracks and potholes that can harm you and your vehicle. Check the weather before you travel so you can plan accordingly. If you know conditions for wet leaves are possible, plan to leave earlier than you usually would to allow time for reduced driving speeds.

Be Mindful of Other Drivers

Besides taking these precautions to ensure your own safety, you should also consider others around you. Wet leaves are commonly found on country roads that do not have much traffic. However, when there are others on the road, you should keep a safe driving distance between yourself and other vehicles. Leaves often act like ice, so you will want to take the extra time to slow down. If there is a lot of foliage on your daily commutes, consider investing in high-quality tires—as the traction will allow you to maneuver more easily through wet leaves.

Prepare for The Worst

It is impossible to be over-prepared regarding safe driving practices. Though no matter the amount of preparation, some collisions do occur. With years of experience, you can rest assured that the team of dedicated injury attorneys at Marcus & Mack are ready to help you. If you have been injured in an accident, contact our office today for a complimentary consultation.