MEMBERSHIP
Road Safety: The 3 Golden Rules to Follow This Fall
As the days get shorter and the commute gets darker, here are a few reminders for staying safe on the roads.
By Will Scott
Fall is a beautiful time to be on the road. Make it a safe time, too. | PHOTO: MSTANDRET/ENVATO
Fall brings beautiful colours, but it also introduces seasonal driving challenges. With shorter daylight hours, unpredictable weather and wet leaves on the asphalt, road conditions can change in a flash. As we head into the season, CAA is here to help you navigate autumn safely and confidently.
Master the darker commute
The fall time change can shift your daily commute into the dark, when fatigue and glare can be major factors. To stay safe, slow down, keep your windshield and headlights clean, and remain extra alert during low-light hours. For more tips, tune into the CAA Let’s Go Together Podcast (Season 1, Episode 6: Roadside Realities: From Call to Rescue with Danny Sullivan). Our roadside experts break down common seasonal risks so you can avoid getting stuck.
Visibility is your key to safety, especially in low-light conditions. | PHOTO: LIGHTFIELDSTUDIOS/ENVATO
Watch for kids (and other pedestrians) on the street October brings trick-or-treaters out to the streets, but this is also a reminder to be extra vigilant whenever it’s dark out. Slow down, eliminate distractions inside your vehicle and look out for your neighbours to keep our communities safe.
Trick-or-treaters depend on drivers to slow down and stay alert. | PHOTO: GETTYIMAGES/UNSPLASH
Prep your vehicle
Before the first frost hits, restock your car’s emergency kit with winter essentials and switch to snow tires. Don’t wait for the first blizzard to book an appointment. The 7-for-7 rule — swap tires when there have been seven consecutive days of temperatures consistently below 7°C — is a good one, but plan your switch to winter tires early to avoid the seasonal shop rush. Switch your tires right in your driveway, or buy new ones, with Otto (available only in the HRM).
No matter where the roads take you or your family this season, a little preparation goes a long way. CAA
Switch to your snow tires well before the first blizzard of the season. | PHOTO: GETTYIMAGES/UNSPLASH
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Visibility is your key to safety, especially in low-light conditions. | PHOTO: LIGHTFIELDSTUDIOS/ENVATO
Master the darker commute
The fall time change can shift your daily commute into the dark, when fatigue and glare can be major factors. To stay safe, slow down, keep your windshield and headlights clean, and remain extra alert during low-light hours. For more tips, tune into the CAA Let’s Go Together Podcast (Season 1, Episode 6: Roadside Realities: From Call to Rescue with Danny Sullivan). Our roadside experts break down common seasonal risks so you can avoid getting stuck.
Trick-or-treaters depend on drivers to slow down and stay alert. | PHOTO: GETTYIMAGES/UNSPLASH
Watch for kids (and other pedestrians) on the street October brings trick-or-treaters out to the streets, but this is also a reminder to be extra vigilant whenever it’s dark out. Slow down, eliminate distractions inside your vehicle and look out for your neighbours to keep our communities safe.
Switch to your snow tires well before the first blizzard of the season. | PHOTO: GETTYIMAGES/UNSPLASH
Prep your vehicle
Before the first frost hits, restock your car’s emergency kit with winter essentials and switch to snow tires. Don’t wait for the first blizzard to book an appointment. The 7-for-7 rule — swap tires when there have been seven consecutive days of temperatures consistently below 7°C — is a good one, but plan your switch to winter tires early to avoid the seasonal shop rush.
No matter where the roads take you or your family this season, a little preparation goes a long way. CAA