As the vibrant colors of fall paint the North Carolina landscape, the change in season brings unique challenges to the roadways, requiring drivers to stay extra vigilant. Here are essential tips to help you navigate the roads safely this time of year.

Watch for Wildlife: Deer are particularly active from October through December, coinciding with their mating season. Be mindful of deer crossing signs, especially near wooded areas, and reduce your speed if you spot one. They often travel in groups, so if you see a deer, there may be more nearby. While it may be instinctive to swerve to avoid hitting an animal, doing so could cause a more serious accident. Instead, slow down and try to come to a controlled stop.

Handle Seasonal Road Hazards: Adjust for changing weather conditions, as autumn can be unpredictable with chilly mornings turning into rainy afternoons. Wet leaves on the road can become as slippery as ice, reducing tire grip and increasing the risk of skidding. When encountering wet or frosty roads, slow down and avoid abrupt braking to maintain control. In foggy conditions, switch to low-beam headlights and keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to ensure visibility. Additionally, fallen leaves can obscure road obstacles like potholes, while frost, mist, and morning dew can make roads unexpectedly slippery. To ensure optimal visibility, keep your windshield and headlights clean. If driving early in the morning or at dusk, reduce your speed to give yourself extra time to react to changing conditions and maintain a safe distance from the car in front. Avoid sudden braking, especially when navigating curves, as slick surfaces can make it harder to stop.

Be Cautious Around School Zones: With the school year in full swing, expect increased traffic around school zones and pedestrian crossings. School buses will be making frequent stops, so it’s important to adhere to posted speed limits, especially in residential areas, and be alert for children who may be crossing the street. And don’t forget, Halloween brings more pedestrians out at night, so exercise extra caution on October 31.

Monitor Your Tires: Autumn’s fluctuating temperatures can cause tires to lose pressure, impacting your car’s handling. Cold mornings may lead to under-inflated tires, reducing traction. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep them inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, which can typically be found in your vehicle’s manual.

Plan for Low-Light Driving: Autumn days get shorter, which means more driving in low-light conditions. Use your headlights appropriately and again, make sure they’re clean and in good working condition. High-beam headlights can help you spot potential hazards like wildlife, but always dim them when approaching other vehicles to avoid blinding oncoming drivers.

In Case of an Accident: Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. If you do hit a deer or encounter another road hazard, pull over to the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights, and stay in your vehicle. Call local authorities to report the incident and avoid approaching any injured animals, as they can be unpredictable.

Fall in North Carolina offers plenty of reasons to get outside and enjoy the season, but it’s also a time to exercise caution on the roads. Slow down, stay alert, and make these seasonal adjustments to ensure smooth driving through fall’s unique challenges.