As autumn arrives, driving conditions change, bringing unique challenges for drivers.
Ensuring your fleet is prepared for the season can help improve safety and avoid unnecessary downtime. Below are some essential autumn driving tips to help keep drivers and vehicles safe.
Check Tyre Pressure and Tread
Maintaining proper tyre traction is crucial with autumn’s wet roads and fallen leaves. Drivers should regularly check their tyres as temperatures drop since cold air reduces tyre pressure, affecting control and braking. Equally important is the tyre tread depth, as worn tyres are more likely to slip in wet conditions. If your tyres’ tread depth is 2mm or below, contact the Mahony Fleet Driver Support Team at +35318660520 or our Driver Support Page to book a consultation with the tyre experts at BestDrive.
Use Headlights Appropriately
Daylight hours shorten in autumn, leading to darker morning and evening commutes. Ensure headlights are in optimal working condition and remind drivers to use them for their visibility and to be seen by others. Foggy conditions can also be frequent in Ireland this time of year, so drivers should use low beams when driving in fog to avoid glare and enhance visibility. Proper lighting is essential to reduce the risk of accidents. Make sure to turn off fog lights when conditions allow.
Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists
As daylight hours shorten in autumn, visibility becomes a critical concern, especially for pedestrians and cyclists who may not be easily seen. Many cyclists may not use adequate visibility gear, such as reflective clothing or proper lighting, while pedestrians might enter roads without wearing bright clothing. Fleet drivers should stay alert, particularly in residential areas or near schools, where people may enter the road unexpectedly. Reducing speed and paying extra attention in low-visibility conditions can help prevent accidents involving vulnerable road users.
Prepare for Low Sun Glare
Autumn’s low sun angles can create intense glare during morning and evening commutes, making it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and hazards. To reduce glare, ensure you carry sunglasses in your cars and use sun visors. Keeping the windscreen clean, inside and out, also helps minimise the effect of sun glare. Simple adjustments like these can improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents caused by sun glare.
Maintain Safe Speeds
Wet leaves on the road can be as slippery as ice, particularly when combined with rain. Fleet drivers should be mindful of their speed, especially on winding or rural roads where leaves can accumulate. Additionally, the increased likelihood of rain during autumn means roads may be slick, increasing stopping distances. Drivers should adjust their speeds and increase the distance between vehicles to give them more time to react. With autumn’s unique driving challenges, it’s essential to remind fleet drivers to be extra vigilant and prepare for the season. By taking simple steps such as maintaining tyre health, using headlights correctly, being aware of cyclists and pedestrians, controlling speeds, and preparing for sun glare, fleet operators can help ensure their vehicles remain safe and efficient on the road. These autumn driving tips protect drivers and help minimise costly delays and potential vehicle damage, keeping fleet operations running smoothly throughout the season. To book your vehicle in for an autumn service or a tyre health check-up, contact the Mahony Fleet Driver Support Team by clicking here.