Good question! While it might seem strange, your car likely slips more in the fall than winter because of all the fallen leaves.
Since leaves aren’t a part of the road, they offer little-to-no traction. They can also retain water, which makes them extra slippery and dangerous to drive over.
If you live in an area with lots of trees, you’ll find leaves also cover morning frost or other hazards from sight. The lack of visibility and slippery conditions can make fall just as dangerous for driving as winter. Here are a few tips for driving safely in the fall:
Slow down. When you slip, the danger comes from your speed. You’ll be at a much lower risk of spinning out if you drive slowly over wet leaves.
Get some good tires. Treads channel water away from your car. Ask your mechanic to help you find some season-appropriate tires.
Stay vigilant. Perhaps the best step you can take is to be aware of your surroundings and react accordingly. If you see a pile of leaves, try slowing down before you reach it.
Of course, some accidents are unavoidable. In those cases, your best option is to make sure you have the coverage you need. It may be worth investing in collision coverage
—which insures your car for any collision-related damages. To learn more about your coverage options, check out the Jerry
app. We’ll get you personalized quotes from up to 50 top insurance companies in seconds! And we’ll even help cancel your old policy once you’ve made your pick. Best of luck with driving in the fall; you’ve got this!