Leaf-Peeping Safely: Steering Clear of Autumn Road Hazards
January 10, 2025
6 min read
If there’s one thing I absolutely love about fall, it’s those crisp mornings and the sight of trees bursting with fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. But, as someone who’s been driving across scenic autumn backroads for years, I’ve learned that this season comes with its fair share of driving challenges. Leaf-covered roads might look like something out of a postcard, but trust me, they can be as tricky as an icy winter road if you’re not prepared.
I want to share some of my personal experiences and insights to help you enjoy this breathtaking season safely. Whether you’re taking a scenic drive to admire the fall foliage or just getting through your daily commute, these tips will ensure you’re ready for all that autumn’s roads have to throw at you.
The Hidden Danger of Wet Leaves
Years ago, I took a sharp corner on a road covered in wet leaves. What I thought was an ordinary drive turned into a firsthand lesson in traction (or lack thereof). My tires slipped, and for a terrifying moment, I lost control. Thankfully, I’d learned enough about skidding to steer into the slide, regaining control before anything bad happened.
Here’s the thing, wet leaves can be just as slippery as ice. When they’re wet or decomposing, they release oils that reduce your car’s grip on the road. They can also obscure road markings and hide potholes or other hazards. That was the first time I realized just how much attention fall roads demand. Now, whenever the leaves start falling, I take extra care, and I encourage you to do the same.
Weekly Nugget: Don’t wait for a rainy day to check your tires! Make it a monthly habit to inspect your tire tread and pressure. Properly inflated, well-treaded tires aren’t just great for slippery leaves—they improve fuel efficiency and overall safety too.
Preparing Your Car for Fall
One thing I’ll never forget my dad telling me when I first got my license was, “Your car can’t take care of you if you don’t take care of it.” Over the years, I’ve embraced this advice wholeheartedly, especially during fall. Before heading out, I always go through a simple checklist, and I encourage you to do the same. Here’s what it looks like:
1. Tires
Make sure your tires have plenty of tread left—it’s your vehicle’s first and best defense against slippery leaves. If you’re not sure how much tread you need, try the penny test. Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time for new tires.
2. Brakes
Stopping distances increase when traction decreases. Have your brakes inspected before fall sets in. It can make a world of difference when you need to stop suddenly.
3. Lights
With fewer daylight hours (and the occasional foggy morning), visibility is everything. Check all your car’s lights—headlights, taillights, and even those tiny license plate bulbs.
By running regular checks, you’ll have confidence knowing your car is ready for whatever the season throws at you.
On the Road Tips
Safe driving isn’t just about preparation—it’s also about how you manage the road ahead. If I’ve learned anything from decades of navigating autumn roads, it’s that small changes in your driving habits can have a huge impact. Here’s how I personally handle those less-than-ideal conditions.
1. Slow Down, Enjoy the View
One of my favorite things about fall is driving through canopies of gold, where every turn feels like a scene from a movie. But you know what? The slower you go, the safer—and more enjoyable—it is. I give myself extra time to get wherever I’m headed. This way, I avoid rushing and reduce braking, which can be trickier on leaves.
2. Increase Following Distance
This one is huge when it comes to safety. I double the distance between my car and the one in front of me during fall. Slippery leaves mean sudden stops aren’t as quick or easy as usual.
3. Turn Into the Skid
One unforgettable autumn evening, my car skid (again) on a quiet back road. I remembered the rule my dad drilled into me—turn into the skid, don’t oversteer, and don’t slam the brakes. It worked like a charm. If you’ve never practiced skid control before, it might be worth finding a safe spot to practice—you’ll thank yourself in the long run.
Weekly Nugget: When life throws you into a skid, focus where you want to go! This is great advice for driving and life itself. Whether you’re steering through slick roads or navigating challenges, keeping control is all about staying calm and aiming forward.
The Fall-Specific Risks You Can’t Ignore
There’s more to autumn driving hazards than just leaves—trust me, I’ve seen it all! Here are a few additional seasonal challenges to keep in mind:
1. Reduced Daylight
The shorter days mean I’m often driving in the dark, especially after work. Keeping clean headlights and using high beams when appropriate makes a huge difference. On top of that, being cautious of pedestrians, bikers, and wildlife is a must, especially at dawn and dusk.
2. Bright Sun Glare
One thing I didn’t expect to deal with in autumn? The low angle of the sun during sunrise and sunset. My solution? A clean windshield (both inside and out) and polarized sunglasses—they make all the difference in reducing glare.
3. Wildlife Crossings
If you live near wooded areas, fall is prime time for wildlife crossings. A few years back, a deer jumped in front of my car on one such drive. I’ll never forget how thankful I was that I kept my speed under control and left enough space to brake. Keep your eyes peeled!
Parking Like a Pro This Fall
I know, parking might seem like the least important thing to think about during autumn. But here’s a tip I swear by—avoid parking over leaf piles. Not only can they hide hazards that could damage your car, like sharp debris, but they can also catch fire if your vehicle’s hot exhaust rests on them. It might sound rare, but why take the risk?
Weekly Nugget: Simplify your autumn morning routine by parking with the front of your car pointing east. When the sun rises, it’ll naturally defrost your windshield. Less scraping; more sipping coffee!
What to Do If You Skid
Even with all these precautions, skids happen—especially to drivers like me who log plenty of miles during this leaf-laden season. If you find yourself in a skid, remember these steps to take control again.
- Stay Calm – I know, easier said than done, but panicking only makes things harder. Deep breaths!
- Ease Off the Gas – Sudden movements make it worse. Gradually easing off the gas helps you regain control.
- Turn Into the Skid – Again, steer where you want the car to go, not the other way around.
- Wait for Traction – It probably feels like an eternity, but the car will respond if you act calmly and patiently.
Take it from me—practice makes perfect here. The more prepared you are mentally, the better you’ll handle it on the road.
When Leaves Drop, Your Guard Shouldn’t
If there’s one thing I’ve come to appreciate over the years, it’s that driving in fall is about balancing the joy of the season with a healthy dose of caution. By tackling hazards head-on, like slippery leaves and limited daylight, and adapting your driving habits, you can stay safe while still soaking in everything that makes autumn so special.
If you take one lesson from my experience, it’s this—stay alert, stay prepared, and give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy the ride. Safe travels, and here’s to a fall season of colorful memories and smooth, safe rides!
