1. Avoid the dazzle from low sun – There can be nothing worse than rounding a corner to be blinded by the sun. Keep your sun-specs available and keep your vehicle’s screens clean to avoid glare and possible bumps and scrapes.
2. Watch out for wet weather – As our roads have been dry for extended periods this summer, when they are moistened by a shower, or just early morning mist, the surfaces can become extremely slippery. Keep speeds down to avoid unwanted skids.
3. Driving in the dark – Ensure that all of your car’s lights are working correctly but remember to use them. A lot of new cars have illuminated, electronic dashboards, which make you think that the lights are on, when they are not. It is far safer to be seen during periods of reduced daylight.
4. Be cautious on wet leaves – The colours of autumn can be spectacular but so can accidents caused by fallen leaves, which may conceal additional road surface hazards.
5. Check the wiper blades – This is the time of year at which you will need the wipers most. If they squeak, or squeal, over the screen, perhaps it is time to replace them and, while at it, ensure that the screenwash bottle is full and has some anti-freeze fluid in it.
6. Watch out for frosts – Ensure that you have an ice-scraper, or a means by which to clear frost (and snow) from the car’s glazing. It is illegal to have obstructed vision. It might pay to have your engine’s antifreeze checked out too.
7. Drive according to the adverse conditions – Most autumn and winter accidents happen within a few miles of the victims’ homes. If it is slippery, slow down, take care and avoid the ‘idiots’ who care less.
8. Fog and fug – Difficult vision can cause numerous problems at this time of the year. If it is foggy, use dipped beam headlights, slow down and keep your distance from the vehicle ahead.
9. Watch out for the wildlife – Lots of wild animals are stocking-up for winter, with deer particularly active during autumn. Take care on tree-lined routes, as even pheasants, hares and rabbits can create havoc and lots of car damage, should you strike them.
10. Prepare for adverse conditions – If you have a winter pack for your car that contains a warm coat, gloves and even a change of footwear, now is the time to put it in the boot. If you use winter, or low-temperature, tyres on your car, now is the time to have them fitted.
