Fall has firmly planted itself in Alaska with winter fast approaching. Changing seasons means drivers need to adjust and employ fall safety precautions while on Alaskan roads. SLOW DOWN for safer fall driving.
Adjust For The Sun
When leaving indoors, allow your eyes to adjust for a few minutes before jumping behind the wheel. Following the autumnal equinox, we lose daylight daily and eyes need time to adjust after leaving home or work. Additionally, consider sun glare while driving. The sun aligns with roadways during sunrise and sunset this time of year and can make it harder to see. Additionally, sunlight reflects off frost and ice causing blurred or lost vision.
The Days Are Shorter
As the days get shorter, you may find yourself driving to and from work in the dark. Drive more safely by keeping your headlights clean and in proper working order; dim or misaligned headlights can decrease your visibility. Watch for pedestrians walking, jogging or biking. They may be difficult to see in dusky light. Be mindful of children walking to and from bus stops in the morning and afternoon. Fall is also an active breeding time for moose and caribou – SLOW DOWN for safer fall driving.
Caution – Wet Road Ahead
Fall means rain and hail storms, causing slippery roads. Hydroplaning is a concern during the fall season and can be avoided with increased caution. Additionally, wet leaves can be just as slippery as ice. Never stop on wet leaves, drive slowly through piles of leaves and avoid hard braking when possible. Pay attention to the edge of the road to avoid obstructions that may be hidden by leaves. Stay alert – Alaskan roads can have sudden dangerous drop offs that may be hidden by road debris. SLOW DOWN for safer fall driving.
Rapid Road Condition Changes
Increases in moisture and low overnight temperatures can cause a buildup of frost making roads more dangerous. Bridges and narrow roads are at greater risk of icy buildup. Stay alert and SLOW DOWN to avoid an accident caused by ice buildup. It is harder to see ice on bridges, especially when combined with wet leaves.
Finally, falling branches or trees are a major concern during fall and winter months. Alaska has many roads with low travel patterns and can have branches laying on the roadway for long periods of time. Use caution when traveling a new traffic patterns, watch for fallen trees or branches.
Fall is a beautiful time of year, especially in Alaska. SLOW DOWN for safer fall driving. Enjoy the scenery and stay safer on the roads this season.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Sources: AAA; Love To Know; Ward Merdes
Image Source: Alaska.org
