However, with proper preparation, autumn trips can be made safer, says Raimondas Bieliauskas, head of ERGO‘s Vehicle Claims Administration Department, and names the five most common disturbances on the road during the dark season.
Darkness, rain and blinding car lights
Table of Contents
- 1 Darkness, rain and blinding car lights
- 2 Leaves covering the asphalt turn the road into a slide
- 3 The first frosts and bare ice
- 4 Wild animals on the road
- 5 Traffic participants not wearing reflectors
- 6 **5. Traffic Volume and Increased Congestion**
- 7 – What are the common road hazards during autumn that drivers should be aware of?
Table of Contents
In autumn, drivers have to deal with the dark very often – some people go to work before it’s light, and return after dark, and frequent autumn rains make visibility difficult. According to Raimondas Bieliauskas, head of ERGO’s vehicle damage administration department, the probability of traffic accidents also increases.
“During the dark, various threats increase – both visibility is poorer and the lights of other vehicles can dazzle. Therefore, before starting to drive, you should always make sure that all the lights of the vehicle you are driving are working perfectly – this way you will protect not only yourself, but also other road users”, says R. Bieliauskas.
It reminds you to thoroughly clean the windows and mirrors, on which dust, fingerprints and water have accumulated, which can significantly reduce the field of vision. It is also a good idea to make sure that the wipers clean the windshield clean from rain or dew drops, and if possible, to reduce the brightness of the dashboard so as not to distract additional light in the car interior.
Leaves covering the asphalt turn the road into a slide
In autumn, the road surface becomes slippery not only after rain or frost. Wet leaves that have fallen from trees and covered the asphalt make the road surface no less dangerous than snow – the stopping distance on such a surface increases significantly, and the road can become a real slide.
“This is because the wet leaves create a slippery film on the road surface. Therefore, in all cases, when driving on a road covered with leaves, it is very important to maintain a safe distance so that you do not slide into the back of the car in front of you if you need to brake more sharply,” warns the ERGO representative.
He also points out that fallen leaves can obscure road markings and hide potholes.
The first frosts and bare ice
In the last month of autumn, drivers are faced with bare ice almost every morning. Its formation does not require sub-zero temperatures – the road can be covered with bare ice even when the air temperature fluctuates just a few degrees above zero.
“If city streets are not slippery, it does not mean that bridges and viaducts are not slippery either. It is here that slush is formed first, due to the lower temperature that usually prevails near water bodies and the moisture that rises from the water and settles on the roadway. When driving in such places, it is extremely important to choose a safe speed, even if it is much lower than the speed allowed by road traffic rules,” advises R. Bieliauskas.
Baldness also occurs faster in wooded areas, where it is harder for the sun’s rays to reach the asphalt, so you should be more careful here as well.
Wild animals on the road
The migration of wild animals also becomes more active in autumn, reaching its peak in October. In frequent cases, it is impossible to go around an animal that has run out onto the road – it can get out right in front of the car, so the risk of a traffic accident can only be reduced by safe speed and caution.
“Especial care should be taken in places where road signs warning about animal migration have been installed. In such sections of the road, you should drive more slowly and keep a greater distance from the cars in front, whose drivers may have to brake suddenly if they see an animal on the road. In addition, in forested areas, you should be extremely careful when overtaking other vehicles, driving uphill or in bends,” warns R. Bieliauskas.
Traffic participants not wearing reflectors
Autumn is dangerous not only for car drivers, but also for other road users – pedestrians, cyclists or scooter riders. It is much more difficult for drivers to notice pedestrians or drivers of bicycles during the dark hours of the day, therefore, after dark, reflectors should be fastened in visible places, and lights should be provided.
“In the dark, drivers can spot pedestrians walking along an unlit road just 20-30 meters away. This distance is not enough to stop the car in time and safely. For comparison, a driver who turns on the dipped beam will notice a pedestrian walking with a reflector at a distance of 140 meters,” says R. Bieliauskas.
He reminds that drivers should also be more careful at night than usual – especially in places where pedestrians can enter the roadway – in settlements, at pedestrian crossings, in the yards of residential houses and elsewhere.
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#biggest #obstacles #road #autumn #properly #prepare #trips #safer #Business
2024-09-18 05:39:35
**5. Traffic Volume and Increased Congestion**
Stay Safe on the Roads this Autumn: 5 Common Disturbances to Watch Out For
As the days grow shorter and the weather grows cooler, autumn brings a unique set of challenges for drivers. With the increased risk of accidents, it’s essential to be prepared and vigilant on the roads. Raimondas Bieliauskas, head of ERGO’s Vehicle Claims Administration Department, shares his expertise on the five most common disturbances on the road during the dark season.
1. Darkness, Rain, and Blinding Car Lights
Autumn’s shorter days mean drivers face darkness more often, making it tougher to see the road ahead. Add to that the frequent autumn rains, and visibility becomes even more challenging. Bieliauskas warns that the probability of traffic accidents increases during this time. To combat this, ensure all your vehicle’s lights are in good working condition, clean your windows and mirrors, and reduce dashboard brightness to minimize distractions.
2. Leaves Covering the Asphalt Turn the Road into a Slide
Wet leaves on the road can be just as hazardous as snow, increasing stopping distances and making the road a slippery surface. Bieliauskas advises maintaining a safe distance and being cautious when driving on leaf-covered roads. Additionally, fallen leaves can obscure road markings and hide potholes, making it essential to drive defensively.
3. The First Frosts and Bare Ice
As autumn progresses, drivers face the risk of bare ice on the roads, even when the air temperature is above zero. Bieliauskas cautions that bridges and viaducts are particularly prone to ice formation and advises choosing a safe speed, even if it’s lower than the allowed limit. Wooded areas are also more susceptible to ice, so exercise extra caution when driving through these regions.
4. Wild Animals on the Road
Autumn’s active wildlife migration increases the risk of animal-vehicle collisions. Bieliauskas recommends being extra cautious in areas with animal migration warning signs, driving slowly, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles. When overtaking or driving through forested areas, be vigilant and prepared for unexpected animal appearances.
**5. Traffic
– What are the common road hazards during autumn that drivers should be aware of?
Autumn Road Hazards: 5 Common Disturbances to Watch Out For
As the seasons change, autumn brings its own set of challenges for drivers. With the decrease in daylight hours, drivers are faced with reduced visibility, and the probability of traffic accidents increases. Raimondas Bieliauskas, head of ERGO’s Vehicle Claims Administration Department, identifies the five most common disturbances on the road during this dark season.
1. Darkness, Rain, and Blinding Car Lights
During autumn, drivers have to deal with darkness more frequently, which increases the risk of traffic accidents. Rain and poor visibility make it difficult to see the road ahead, and blinding car lights from oncoming vehicles can further reduce visibility. To combat this, it’s essential to ensure that all vehicle lights are in good working condition and clean windows and mirrors provide an unobstructed view.
2. Leaves Covering the Asphalt Turn the Road into a Slide
Wet leaves on the road surface create a slippery film, increasing the stopping distance and turning the road into a slide. Maintaining a safe distance and being prepared for unexpected braking is crucial when driving on roads covered with leaves. Additionally, fallen leaves can obscure road markings and hide potholes, making it even more challenging to navigate the road.
3. The First Frosts and Bare Ice
In the last month of autumn, drivers face the risk of bare ice on the roads, which can form even when the air temperature is above zero. Bridges and viaducts are particularly prone to slippery conditions due to the lower temperature and moisture from nearby water bodies. Exercise caution when driving on these sections of road.
4. Wild Animals on the Road
Autumn is a time of migration for many wild animals, which can lead to unexpected encounters on the road. Drivers should be alert and prepared for sudden appearances of animals, especially at dawn and dusk when visibility is poor.
5. Traffic Participants Not Wearing Reflectors
As the days get shorter, pedestrians, cyclists, and other traffic participants may not be easily visible, especially if they’re not wearing reflectors. Drivers should be vigilant and anticipate the presence of vulnerable road users, even if they’re not immediately visible.
6. Traffic Volume and Increased Congestion
