Accidents happen, and as an insurance agent, the uptick in accidents is very apparent during this time of year. As weather and road conditions change with the season, the following driving safety tips will help keep you safe, and accident-free, as you enjoy the cool crisp air and the holiday season.

Leaves
In subdivisions and country roads leaf accumulations on the roadway when wet, can get extremely slippery. If the temperature drops below freezing, the wet leaves will freeze and turn into dangerous icy leaves on the roadway. Besides reducing the car's traction, causing skidding and the possibility of losing control of the vehicle, leaves often cover the painted road markings, making it difficult to know the locations of the lanes. Some things to be aware of:

• Slow down if you are driving on a road covered with leaves, especially when driving around turns.
• Allow yourself plenty of room to stop in an emergency. Keep a greater distance between you and the car in front of you.
• Leaves make it difficult to see potholes and bumps in the road.
• A pile of leaves raked to the side of the road is an inviting place to a child. Children enjoy jumping into the leaf piles or burrowing down into them and hiding. Never drive through a leaf pile. Use caution going around turns and where children are playing.
• Keep your windshield leaf-free to avoid wet leaves getting stuck under the windshield wiper blades.
• In order to avoid the possibility of a fire hazard from the exhaust system or catalytic converter, never park your vehicle over a pile of leaves.

Deer
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers are 3.5 times more likely to hit a deer while driving now than at any other time of the year. Deer travel in small packs, so if a deer crosses a road, it will likely be followed by others. During the holiday season, make sure to use caution, especially in the early morning and early evening hours. Deer are quite active during the “rut” each year and that is currently still happening in some Ohio counties.

Changing Weather Conditions
In many areas, late autumn and early winter is a damp, wet season. There are many rainy or foggy days and nights. As the temperatures drop, frost often coats the ground at night.

• When driving in fog, set your headlight to a low beam. This setting aims the light down toward the roadway.
• In the early winter, as temperatures drop, frost often forms on the roadway, causing hazardous driving conditions. Drive slowly and break gently at overpasses and bridges as these areas frost over more quickly than other roadway surfaces.
• Be aware of areas where black ice forms on the roadway.

Additional Seasonal Driving Tips

• TIRE PRESSURE - Since fall weather can change rapidly from warm to cold, vehicle tires will often expand and contract. This can lead to a loss of tire pressure. Make sure that all tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread. It is also a good idea to make sure that the vehicle has a spare tire and that it is properly inflated.
• Kids and School Buses - School buses make frequent stops. Make sure to follow the speed limits, don’t follow too close, and be aware of kids and pedestrians at all times.
• Test your battery. Your battery power will drop with the plummeting temperatures so make sure it is properly charging while driving.
• Check your tires for tread. If you are driving with less than 1/16 inch of tread, you are much more prone to losing control while driving.
• Use wiper fluid rated for negative 30 degrees to prevent freezing.
• Keep your gas tank at least ½ full to avoid gas line freezes. Ensure that if you get stuck, you’ll be able to sit comfortably in your car while waiting for help.
• Remove dirt and snow from external camera lenses and side mirrors before taking to the roads to be able to see what’s around you.
• If you start to skid, steer in the direction of the skid, so when your tires regain traction, you don’t have to overcorrect to stay in your lane.
• Accelerate and brake slowly.
• Increase your following distances.
• Know your car systems. Make sure you understand what traction control and anti-lock braking systems will do for your car.