In autumn conditions on the road are very variable and dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians. Fast darkening, rainfall, slippery surface are factors that negatively affect safety.The driver needs to wear a vest with reflective fabric.
Autumn is a dangerous time for all road users. Police statistics show that the most accidents happen at this time of the year. That’s why traffic cops appeal to everyone, both drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, to be especially cautious and careful.
Heavy rainfall, fog and early darkness limit visibility on the road. The wet and slippery roadway is also not conducive to the driver. An additional difficulty is often lying on the roadway leaves – in such conditions the braking distance may dangerously extend, and in extreme cases the driver may slip and not control the car. In the autumn, roadways may already be frozen, and therefore slippery, and in such situations the wheels easily lose their grip. Overtaking in such conditions, passing, cornering can be very dangerous. You should pay special attention to the depressions of the terrain, on hills, near forests and water reservoirs – the road can be particularly slippery there. Exercise extreme caution near pedestrian crossings. If the pedestrian enters the passage, the driver may not slow down.
Police officers recommend checking the condition of the tires in the used vehicle and lighting the vehicle. Drivers should remember to navigate the road with lights on and observe speed limits. It is worth remembering that in conditions of reduced air transparency, dipped beam should be switched on, and if visibility is limited to less than 50 m – rear fog lights.
Changing the aura forces drivers to change their driving techniques and adjust their speed to the prevailing road conditions. Exceeding the permissible speed and not maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front is one of the most common causes of accidents in autumn. If there is fog or heavy rainfall and heavy traffic on the road, slow down to the speed that allows the driver to control the traffic situation. The permissible speed does not always mean safe speed.
This period is also dangerous for drivers of motorcycles, who are increasingly using their machines until late autumn, and even throughout the year. Unfavorable atmospheric conditions reduce the grip of asphalt tires and even a seemingly ineffective fall when trying to brake suddenly can end tragically.
The police also appeals to pedestrians not to go directly in front of an oncoming vehicle. Even at the pedestrian crossing, make sure that the driver can slow down. Of course, the pedestrian takes precedence over the passage, but here the principle of limited trust is most applicable.
Every pedestrian and cyclist should also remember about their safety and take care to be visible. A reflective vest, key chain, headband or even a flashlight will make it easier to see the oncoming driver when moving along a poorly lit road. From August 31, 2014, all pedestrians who move around the dusk along the way outside the built-up area must have a reflection visible to the drivers. The lack of a reflective element is threatened by a fine. Although traffic regulations do not impose an obligation to use vests with reflective tapes in the built-up area, they, to a large extent, improve visibility. Police encourages pedestrians to wear retro-reflective elements at any time of the day, also in built-up areas, because they greatly improve visibility and avoid tragedy. They give drivers valuable time to take the right response – often saving lives and health.
An additional difficulty in the autumn is often worse well-being. Bad mood can affect the speed of reaction and concentration, which is also worth remembering when getting behind the wheel of a vehicle and moving on the road.