Fall Driving Hazards in Northeast Ohio: How to Stay Safe on the Road

October 28, 2024

As autumn arrives in Northeast Ohio, it brings beautiful foliage, cooler temperatures, and seasonal changes that can create driving hazards on the roads. At Rad Air Complete Car Care and Tire Centers, we want to ensure you’re well-prepared for these fall-specific challenges. 

From wet leaves to fog and reduced daylight hours, here are some common fall driving hazards and tips on how to stay safe on the road.

1. Wet Leaves and Slippery Roads

Fall leaves may be stunning, but when they accumulate on roads and get wet, they become a significant hazard. Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice, especially after heavy rainfall, making it more difficult for your tires to grip the road.

Safety Tip:

  • Slow down when driving on roads covered with leaves, especially after it rains.
  • Ensure your tires have good tread to provide adequate traction. If you need new tires, visit your nearest Rad Air location for a professional assessment.

ohio driving

2. Foggy Mornings

Northeast Ohio is known for its foggy autumn mornings. Fog can reduce visibility significantly and make it harder to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles.

Safety Tip:

  • Use your low beams or fog lights instead of high beams, which can reflect light back at you and further reduce visibility.
  • Drive slower and maintain a safe following distance from the car in front of you.

3. Shorter Daylight Hours

As the days get shorter, many drivers find themselves on the road during dusk or in the dark. Reduced daylight can make it harder to see road hazards, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Safety Tip:

  • Make sure your headlights and taillights are clean and functioning properly. If your lights are dim or not working correctly, head to Rad Air for a quick check and bulb replacement if needed.
  • Always stay alert, especially in residential areas where pedestrians may be harder to spot.

4. Temperature Fluctuations

Fall weather in Northeast Ohio can fluctuate between warm afternoons and chilly mornings and evenings. This variability can affect your tire pressure, as colder temperatures cause tires to lose air.

Safety Tip:

  • Regularly check your tire pressure to ensure it’s at the proper level. Many modern vehicles come equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), but if your vehicle doesn’t have one, stop by any Rad Air location for a tire check.
  • Keeping your tires properly inflated will improve handling and fuel efficiency.

5. Deer and Wildlife on the Move

Fall is mating season for deer, and they tend to be more active during dawn and dusk. This can lead to an increased number of deer-related accidents, especially on rural roads and wooded areas throughout NEO.

Safety Tip:

  • Stay vigilant, especially in areas marked with deer crossing signs.
  • If you see one deer, there are often more nearby. Slow down and be prepared to stop.
  • Use your high beams when driving in low-light areas, but switch to low beams when oncoming traffic is approaching.

6. School Zones and Buses

ohio driving school bus

With the school year in full swing, there’s more traffic in school zones and buses making frequent stops to pick up and drop off students. The changing season also means reduced visibility during early morning and late afternoon, peak times for school traffic.

Safety Tip:

  • Always obey speed limits in school zones and stop for buses with flashing lights.
  • Stay extra cautious in areas where children are walking or waiting for the bus.

7. Tire and Brake Maintenance

With the changing weather conditions, it’s essential to make sure your brakes and tires are in top condition. Cold and wet weather can quickly highlight any issues with braking performance or tire wear.

Safety Tip:

  • Schedule a brake inspection at one of our Rad Air locations. Many of our Rad Air locations are participating in Brakes for Breasts during the month of October.  Get free brakes with your brake service, with only labor and additional parts costs, while supporting breast cancer research.
  • Check your tire tread depth and alignment to ensure optimal performance in fall driving conditions.

Stay Safe This Fall with Rad Air Complete Car Care

At Rad Air Complete Car Care and Tire Centers, we are dedicated to keeping you safe on the road, no matter the season. Whether you need a tire check, brake service, or a comprehensive fall vehicle inspection, our expert technicians at locations across Akron, Downtown Cleveland, Fairlawn, Garfield Heights, Medina, Parma Heights, Seven Hills, Strongsville, Westlake, and Wickliffe are ready to help.

Stay safe this fall and drive with confidence by taking proactive steps to address the seasonal hazards on Northeast Ohio’s roads.

Schedule an appointment at your nearest Rad Air location today, and let us help you prepare for the changing conditions.

For more information, visit us online or give us a call at your local Rad Air shop.