5 Fall Driving Hazards Every Michigan Driver Should Know
October is one of the most beautiful months in Michigan. The trees are changing colors, football season is in full swing, and communities across West Michigan are filled with pumpkin patches, cider mills, hayrides, and Halloween events. But October also brings a unique set of driving hazards that many people don’t think about until they’re behind the wheel.
Here are five things to watch for this fall…
1. Deer Are More Active
Fall marks the beginning of deer season, and October is when deer become much more active especially around dawn and dusk. If you’re driving through wooded areas or rural roads around Greenville, Big Rapids, Cedar Springs, or Holland, keep an extra eye on the shoulders of the road. Deer often travel in groups, so if you see one, there’s a good chance another isn’t far behind. The safest thing you can do is slow down, stay alert, and avoid swerving if a collision is unavoidable.
2. Leaves Can Be Slipperier Than You Think
A road covered in colorful fall leaves might look beautiful, but those leaves can become surprisingly slick when they’re wet. They can also hide potholes, curbs, road markings, and other hazards. Give yourself extra following distance and avoid hard braking when driving on leaf-covered roads.
3. It Gets Dark Earlier
As the days get shorter, more people are driving during sunrise and sunset when visibility is reduced. Earlier sunsets also mean more children, pedestrians, runners, and cyclists are out during lower-light conditions. Make sure your headlights are on, your windshield is clean, and give yourself a little extra time to react.
4. Halloween Brings More Foot Traffic
Halloween is one of the busiest nights of the year for pedestrians. Children can be difficult to see, especially when wearing dark costumes or crossing between parked vehicles. If you’re driving through neighborhoods on Halloween evening, slow down, avoid distractions, and expect the unexpected.
5. Fall Means More Traffic Everywhere
October is packed with football games, fall festivals, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and color tours throughout West Michigan. Whether you’re driving through 28th Street, Alpine Avenue, the East Beltline, downtown Holland, Perry Avenue in Big Rapids, or M-57 through Greenville and Cedar Springs, expect heavier traffic than usual on weekends. Leaving a few minutes early and practicing a little extra patience can go a long way toward making your trip safer.
Enjoy Everything Fall Has to Offer
Michigan is one of the best places to experience fall, and we hope you spend the season making memories, not dealing with the stress of an accident. By staying alert, slowing down, and preparing for the unique challenges that come with October driving, you’ll be ready to enjoy everything the season has to offer safely.
At Car Center, we’re always here if you need us. But our hope is that this fall, the only thing you’ll be hitting is your favorite cider mill.
