Most people have a favorite season. For some, the best time of year is when the flowers start to bloom in the spring. Other people enjoy the lazy days of summer the most, some prefer the colder weather that winter brings and others enjoy the brilliant foliage of autumn. Every season has its own set of good and bad points, and every season can bring different driving hazards. Autumn can present drivers with some unique safety issues, but if you are aware of the potential dangers, you will be better prepared to handle them.
Asphalt Pavement & Winter Driving – Unpredictable Weather
In North Georgia, the weather can change dramatically over the course of the day, especially in the fall. The day may start warm and sunny, but by afternoon, there might be a light drizzle and noticeably lower temperatures. The best way to cope with unpredictable weather is to make sure that your car can handle it. Make sure that your tires have sufficient tread and replace them if they are worn. Check your tire pressure frequently; as temperatures fall, so will the tire pressure, and underinflated tires can pose a safety hazard. Since streaks and dirt on your windshield can reduce visibility — especially if the windshield fogs up — keep the internal and external glass clean.
Asphalt Pavement & Winter Driving – Leaves in the Roadway
Fallen leaves seem harmless, but they can actually pose driving hazards. When it rains, the wet leaves can create slick spots that interfere with your ability to stop, turn or accelerate. Accumulated leaves can also be concealing a deep pothole or important pavement markings. The best way to deal with piles of leaves in the roadway is to slow down and avoid sudden stops or sharp turns.
Asphalt Pavement & Winter Driving – School Traffic
Once the school year starts, traffic of all types increases. There will be children walking to and from school or their bus stops, school buses will seem to be everywhere and parents will be driving their kids to and from school. In addition to increased traffic around the time that school is starting or letting out, many schools host extracurricular activities in the evenings. If you must travel through a school zone, give yourself a little extra time. Furthermore, keep in mind that children cannot always be expected to look both ways before crossing a street.
Asphalt Pavement & Winter Driving – Animal Activity
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the risk of hitting an animal is 3.5 times greater in November than any other month. Deer are the animals that are hit by vehicles the most often; during autumn, they could be looking for mates or moving to a better feeding ground. However, there are many other animals that drivers can hit. In rural parts of North Georgia, coyotes and other wildlife may be encountered as well as cows and horses. Dogs and cats can frequently be encountered in urban and suburban areas. Keep your speed under control, especially when driving on tree-lined roads in rural areas, and keep your attention on your driving.
Asphalt Pavement & Winter Driving – Darkness
When you turn your clock back in early November, night falls an hour earlier. Most people do not think that just one hour can have an affect on their driving, but for many people, the time change can be challenging. Routes that are familiar during the day can seem different at night. Furthermore, the National Safety Council reports that drivers over the age of 50 often need much more light to see clearly and may experience more trouble judging distance and speed when driving at night. However, at any age, nighttime driving is inherently more hazardous. Counteract the darkness by controlling your speed, keeping your windshield clean, using high beams when necessary and remaining focused on your driving.
Let Us Help with Your Asphalt Pavement Needs
MH Greeson Paving is an asphalt paving company that provides a variety of asphalt services in the greater Atlanta area as well as most of North Georgia. Our services include asphalt paving, sealcoating, asphalt repair, parking lot striping, pavement marking, traffic signs, car stops and bollards. We offer affordable rates, but the quality of our work is exceptional. Simply stated, our jobs look better and last longer, so contact us today for a free quote by completing the online form or calling (770) 335-2983.
