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As a business owner, there is a good chance that you do a fair bit of driving in the course of your duties. Even if you don’t do a lot of work-related driving yourself, you probably have one or more drivers that handle deliveries, supply runs, and other crucial tasks. With winter just around the corner and autumn now upon us, it is vital to take stock of the autumn driving risks that CO drivers typically face. Hopefully, you have comprehensive CO Car Insurance that provides protection and coverage against unfortunate incidents.

Even so, it is a good idea to be aware of common autumn and winter driving risks that come with colder weather seasons.

Here are a few examples and some driving tips for dealing with these risks:

1. Back-to-school crowds

When school reopens in the fall, prepare for the onslaught of new student drivers and increased volumes of foot traffic. These factors always pose a challenge at any time of the year, but they can be especially risky when autumn comes around.

You will have to exercise a great deal of caution when driving this time of the year, and a bit more patience would be advisable as well. Also, remember to stop when a school bus you are following flashes its red lights.

2. Reduced visibility

Towards the end of the year, the number of daylight hours decreases, which means that you will have to deal with reduced visibility much earlier. The end of Daylight Savings Time further aggravates the situation, increasing the number of hours that you spend driving at dusk or at night.

You can continue to drive safely at this time of the year, of course, but you should be aware of certain risk factors. Awareness of issues with color recognition, depth perception, and peripheral vision will help prevent accidents.

3. Increased animal traffic

Critters have a way of popping out of the woodwork when the temperature dips, so be prepared for increased animal traffic on the road. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, you are much more likely to hit deer in the autumn and winter months than any other time of the year. And since adult deer can weigh upwards of 300 pounds, that’s a possible collision you want to avoid!

4. Leaves

Animals aren’t the only things that will put you at risk on the road. Even innocuous foliage can pose a significant driving risk, especially when leaves pile up along the road.

What are the ways by which leaves can pose a hazard to drivers? Take your pick. Apart from concealing road markings, covering up potholes, and making the road more slippery, they can also force you to park a distance away from the curb and swerve to avoid piles of the stuff. So you see, leaves aren’t so harmless after all, are they?

5. Reduced tire performance

Experienced drivers know that tires are more controllable and stop faster in dry conditions. But most tires will work well even in wet weather if they have enough tread.

However, tire pressure decreases over time, which eventually reduces performance. Furthermore, the autumn cold speeds up the pressure decrease, causing your tires to perform less than optimally without you being aware of it.

Check your tire pressure regularly- especially when the weather cools. Doing so will help ensure your safety on the road.

6. Moisture and dampness

Hydroplaning is a common hazard when pools of water form on the road. This is when the front wheels of your car come in contact with large swatches of water, causing them to skid and making you lose control over steering.

But even small puddles can pose a skidding risk when water accumulates on dust or oil patches. This is often the case when it hasn’t rained in the area recently. It would be best to drive at moderate speeds under these conditions and to try to keep your tires in the tracks of the vehicles you are following.

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when you drive during the fall. Although the season is one of the most enjoyable parts of the year, you need to be aware of the autumn driving risks and take the necessary driving precautions. Doing so will ensure that you stay safe and enjoy the season to the fullest.

About Mountainside Insurance Management

Mountainside Insurance Management, LLC is a multi-state insurance brokerage and management specialist. We are an independent brokerage and work with over 150 A+ carriers to secure comprehensive coverage for our clients. Our brokerage is committed to providing the highest quality insurance and risk management services at the most competitive premiums with hands-on services tailored to our customers’ needs. For more information about reducing your risk, contact us today at (720) 800-9495.