Driving in autumn can be beautiful. Different shades of orange, red or brown leaves and warm dappled light. But this fresh season can mean darker, drearier nights and mornings. As well as making you feel less than cheerful, gloomy weather can be a genuine risk to motorists.
According to the AA, accidents shoot up by 23% compared to summer thanks to darkness, wet weather and the low-lying sun. So if you want to keep yourself and your drivers safe, follow our essential guide on dark weather driving.
Quick tips
On social, we already offered a few simple tips for staying alert on the road. The most important is to avoid driving when tired. It instantly impairs your focus and reaction times. In the worst cases, you could fall asleep. If you do feel weary:
- Take a break at a service station
- Have something to eat to renew your energy
- When you stop, stretch your legs
- Open the windows for fresh air
Dark driving guide
Keep up with maintenance
Autumn is a great time to make sure your vehicle is in peak condition for the harsher winter months. As well as looking for any major faults through servicing, routine maintenance is essential:
- Check your wipers: You’ll need them to be in good condition to clear away rain, leaves and debris. Replace any worn wipers that are rubbing or leaving streaks.
- Top up fluids: Make sure your windscreen fluid is topped up and buy one that contains anti-freeze properties for when temperatures drop.
- Pump up tyres: Make sure your tyres are at the right pressure. Check the PSI in your vehicle booklet and use an at home pump or visit one at services and supermarkets.
Look after your lights
As the days grow shorter and darkness sets in earlier, having fully functioning lights is key to your safety. During autumn, it’s crucial to test them – brake lights, headlights, fog lights and your indicators. Get someone to stand behind and check the bulbs are working before setting off on any long or nighttime journeys. Dusty build-up or leaves can impact their effectiveness so give them a good wipe too.
In low light or overcast weather, switch to your dipped headlights so other road users can see you. Don’t just rely on daytime running lights as they often only light up the front of the car, leaving the back dark. Remember to also switch off full beam if a car is in front or driving towards you in the opposite direction.
Prepare for glare
The autumn sun might not seem as bright or powerful but it can be incredibly low on the horizon. This is often the case during busy morning and evening commutes. That means you’ll be faced with blinding glare at certain angles which can impact visibility and focus. Luckily, there are a few ways you can try and block it:
- Wear sunglasses: A good pair of polarised sunglasses can limit the impact of bright sun and make driving much easier when it’s low in the sky.
- Clean your windscreen: Dirt and smudges on the glass can exacerbate glare so it’s important to buff away any marks.
- Use the sun visor: This isn’t just a handy mirror. Lower your visor or turn it to the right to cover your window to block direct sunlight.
Forecast the fog
Fog is another common hazard during autumn, especially during early mornings or late evenings. Driving in fog requires extra caution. If visibility drops below 100 meters, switch on your fog lights but don’t leave them on once visibility improves, as they can dazzle other drivers. If conditions are tricky, slow down. Fog can even distort your perception of speed so you need extra time to react to changes ahead of you.
Watch out for wildlife
In autumn, UK wildlife is busy prepping for winter and some animals because more active at dawn and dusk. Collisions with wildlife can be dangerous and distressing so it’s important to keep an eye out. Look for wildlife crossing signs and reduce your speed in rural areas or if visibility is poor. Stay alert, scanning for signs of movement but if an animal is in the road, slow down gently instead of swerving. You don’t want to veer into oncoming traffic or shock drivers behind you. Remember, your safety comes first.
Get prepared
Finally, it's always wise to be prepared for the unexpected during autumn driving. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes essentials like a torch, warm clothing, a de-icer, a first-aid kit and a mobile phone charger. Always pack a water bottle and some snacks in case of any unplanned stops. That way, you can enjoy the season without compromising on safety.
