Wet Weather + Falling Leaves = Car Accidents
The temperature is dropping and its starting to get dark by 6:30 which means that fall is upon us. Along with the changing of seasons, a new danger is presented to Staten Island drivers: falling leaves. Leaves on a roadway normally present little problem. However, add a little rain to those leaves and driving may becomes somewhat more of a challenge. Wet leaves can make steering, stopping and braking very difficult, especially when approaching an intersection or stop sign. Add an incline and it is even difficult to accelerate away from a stop sign without skidding. I know many auto body repair shops that look forward to this time of year and the accidents that the falling leaves cause.
To help make your fall driving safer, make sure that you change your wiper blades and check your tires and brakes. Falling wet leaves can stick to your windshield and old blades may not sufficiently clear the glass, obstructing your vision. Also, a check of your tires will ensure that they have enough tread on them to keep in contact with he pavement. When approaching an intersection, start to slow down well before you need to stop if you see leaves on the ground. When pulling away from a stop sign, be cautious as you may lose traction, compromising your ability to merge into approaching traffic.
With most cars on the road today being equipped with anti-lock brakes, it is important that you don't pump the brake pedal when you are on a slippery surface. Pumping the brakes will only reduce traction as the car's computer system will automatically adjust the braking pressure to compensate for the slippery surface. Anti-lock braking systems also allow you to steer while you are braking, enabling you to steer around a potential accident.
Even without rain, leaves can obscure potholes, curbs and other street markings from view. Fall is a difficult time for driving as earlier sunsets make seeing pedestrians much more difficult at twilight, especially children who are coming home from after-school events. Please be careful and make sure that your car is properly maintained. The few dollars that you spend in buying new wiper blades may prevent a serious accident.
