School Is In Session: Smart Driving 101
Now that it’s back to school season there are some summertime driving habits that you may want to adjust for this time of year. There are more driving hazards during the fall than in the summertime so the first thing to do is identify these hazards. Once you know what they are you can learn what to change in your driving routine to avoid them.
The first factor is that since school has started there are more children on the road riding bikes or walking to school. This time of year also brings an increase in stop and go traffic and more congested roads. It is important to drive more cautiously during this time because crowded roads means the potential for more accidents.
The second factor is due to the weather and the number of daylight hours. With Daylight Saving Time in November we will have one less hour of sunlight in the evening. More people will be driving home from work in total darkness, meaning decreased visibility. Also, weather conditions can change suddenly during the autumn months bringing unexpected rain or sleet. Make sure your windshield wipers are up to the task and since these conditions often cause delays, make sure that you leave yourself enough time to reach your destination.
The third factor is that a drop in temperature will mean a drop in the air pressure of your tires. When this happens the air condenses, and if your tires are under inflated, they become susceptible to dangerous blowouts. Tires are a vehicle’s first line of defense to keep you safe on slippery roadways.
The following are some other tips for driving safely during the fall season:
- Carefully Observe All School Zones - The speed limit for these areas is established for the safety of the students and is usually strictly enforced.
- Pay Attention To The Road - It is important to stay alert in case of a child crossing in front of your car or a careless driver.
- Leave Earlier In The Morning - Since there will be a significant increase in traffic, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
- Drive Slower - Roads that contain summer grease build-up can be slick and dangerous. Also, at speeds over 55 miles per hour fuel efficiency decreases significantly.
- Replace Your Windshield Wiper Blades Every 6 Months - A good way to remember this is to replace them whenever you change your clocks due to Daylight Saving Time.
- Follow Manufacturers’ Recommendations For Proper Tire Pressure - This can be found in your owner’s manual, on the inside edge of the driver’s side door or the glove compartment door. This should not be confused with the maximum pressure, which is listed on the sidewall of the tire itself.
- Make Sure To Check Tire Tread Periodically - There is a simple way to determine how much tread is left on your tires: Take a penny and place it into the most shallow tread groove with Lincoln's head down. If the top of his head remains visible, then the tire should be replaced.
There are significant differences between summer and fall driving. As long as you can anticipate them and adjust your driving habits accordingly, you can prevent unnecessary risks and danger to yourself and other drivers.
Jim Orsi
Director of Operations for Jiffy Lube Stores