Driving in Autumn: 5 rules to remember
Wind, rain, fog, plummeting temperatures... Not to mention fallen leaves, low sun, and even wild animals crossing, autumn presents many risks on the road. Here are a few rules to follow to help you anticipate them as best you can, while ensuring a safe travel experience.
Rule No. 1: See and be seen
In autumn, the days grow shorter and the weather worsens. Many daily journeys are made in low light or even at night. To continue travelling safely, it is, therefore, essential that you remain visible on the road, but also that you can see other road users.
Start by checking that your lights are clean (even a film of dust can significantly reduce their effectiveness) and in perfect working order. Also, remember to check the condition of your windscreen wipers and that your vehicle’s defrosting and demisting systems are working correctly. Remember that your car’s battery powers these systems, so it is also essential to check its condition.
On the road, to see better and be seen, turn on your headlights as soon as it gets darker, and also if there is rain or fog. But keep your sunglasses handy: in autumn, the low sun at the end of the day can be particularly blinding.
Do you travel by bicycle or electric scooter? Check that your lights are working correctly and wear a reflective vest.
Rule No. 2: Switch to winter tyres
The laws of physics are immutable: when temperatures drop, the rubber on summer tyres tends to harden. As a result, they no longer provide optimal grip. On the other hand, thanks to their softer rubber and deeper treads, winter tyres grip the asphalt much better when the temperature drops and the roads are wet. Now is the time to switch to winter tyres if you’ve been using summer tyres in the warmer months.
Rule No. 3: Adapt your driving
Dead leaves, moisture… In autumn, roads can be particularly slippery. This makes it necessary to drive at a moderate speed, which is essential to allow you to anticipate any danger and avoid having to brake suddenly.
Rule No. 4: Watch out for wild animals
Autumn is a time when wild animals are likely to cross the roads. The risk of encountering deer and badgers is highest at the end of the day and during the night. Look out for ‘wild animal crossing’ signs, which feature pictures of animals, including deer, hedgehogs, and ducks (to signify wildfowl), so that you can adjust your speed.
Rule No. 5: Limit the risk of aquaplaning
In autumn, frequent rainfall increases the risk of aquaplaning, a phenomenon where tyres are unable to properly disperse water accumulated on the road surface and thus lose contact with the road. If this happens to you, take your foot off the accelerator, do not disengage the clutch, and stay focused. As soon as one of the drive wheels regains traction, you can gently correct the vehicle’s trajectory.
Driving in autumn: what you need to remember
Due to changing weather conditions, stay visible on the road and make sure you can see other road users clearly. Also, consider switching to winter tyres, which are much more effective when the temperature drops and the roads become wet. Finally, adapt your driving and reduce your speed to minimise the risk of aquaplaning and avoid skidding due to sudden braking in the event of an obstacle on the road or slippery conditions.
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