PennDOT Reminds Motorists to Watch for Fall Driving Hazards

With fall’s arrival, PennDOT is reminding motorists to use caution and be alert for seasonal travel hazards like sun glare, frosty mornings and wet leaves.

“Every season has its special driving challenges. During the fall, motorists should exercise caution by paying close attention to their surroundings and allowing extra time to safely reach their destination,” said PennDOT District Executive Lester C. Toaso.

Sun glare can affect morning and evening commutes as sunrise and sunset coincide with rush-hour traffic. As intense sun glare can affect a driver’s vision, motorists can prepare by keeping a pair of sunglasses within reach, removing items from vehicle sun visors and by keeping vehicle windshields clean.

As overnight temperatures approach freezing, motorists should watch for frost and icy spots, especially on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas on roadways. Drivers should also be certain that their vehicles’ windows are clear of frost before driving.

Wet leaves are extremely slippery and can obscure traffic lines and pavement markings. Drivers can help reduce their risk of a crash by slowing down and using extra caution on leaf-covered roadways, especially on narrow or winding roads.

PennDOT offers these additional fall driving tips:

• Check your vehicle’s headlights, taillights and turn signals to ensure they are working properly, since darkness will be part of many drivers’ morning and evening commutes.

• Have your vehicle’s heating and wiper systems checked to ensure they are working properly. Pennsylvania law requires you to turn on your headlights if your wipers are in use.

• Be sure you have tires with sufficient tread depth in case of an early season snowfall.

• Watch for students walking or waiting for their buses along your commute route.

Visit www.511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before heading out. PennDOT urges motorists to avoid calling 511PA while driving. Motorists should safely pull off the road before calling the system, or check online for travel information before leaving home.

For more fall safety tips and other highway safety information, visit www.JustDrivePA.com.