According to AAA an estimated 38.4 million people traveled over the long Thanksgiving weekend last year, with 86 percent of travelers driving. CURE Auto Insurance offers the following tips to help drivers navigate the often treacherous fall season and hectic upcoming holiday weekend.
1. Beware of drowsy driving. Driver fatigue is a serious problem. According to a recent study by AAA Foundation, two out of five drivers admit to falling asleep at the wheel and drowsy drivers are a factor in nearly 17% of fatal crashes. With holiday travel approaching it's important to be well rested before you get behind the wheel. A way to prevent falling asleep on a long drive is to pull over in a safe area and take a short nap. Even resting for just 15 to 20 minutes will have a dramatic impact on your ability to drive safely.
2. Be careful on parts of the road where leaves accumulate. Leaves covering the road can make it difficult to determine shoulder and lane widths, as well as hide potholes and other road debris. Wet leaves can cause slippery road conditions and dry leaves can be a fire hazard.
3. Watch for frost and black ice. Dipping nighttime temperatures cause roads to frost. Decelerate or gently brake when approaching bridges and overpasses as these surfaces are more prone to collect frost on the roadway surface. Keep alert for shaded areas that could create black ice during early morning and evening hour commutes.
4. Watch out for fog. Fog tends to be prevalent in the fall due to rapidly changing temperatures. Drivers should use low beam headlights NOT high beam settings because they create glare and actually reduce visibility when driving in fog.
5. Watch out for deer. In the fall, deer are more likely to run into the roadway especially at dawn and dusk since it is an active breeding time. If you see one cross the roadway, proceed very slowly as they often travel in groups.
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