Motorists should be aware of fall driving hazards

Sun glare, wet leaves and frost are all signs of fall, and signs of a need for motorists to be cautious and look out for them when taking to the roadways.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recently sent out the following reminders on how to stay VDIH DnG DGMuVW WR WhH hD]DUGV IDOO EULnJV.

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

Sun glare can affect morning and evening commutes DV VunULVH DnG VunVHW cRLncLGH wLWh UuVh-hRuU WUDIfic. As intense sun glare can affect a driver’s vision, motorists should keep a pair of sunglasses within reach, remove items from vehicle sun visors and keep 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 WUDIfic OLnHV DnG SDvHPHnW PDUkLnJV. DULvHUV cDn hHOS reduce their risk of a crash by slowing down and using extra caution on leaf-covered roadways, especially on narrow or winding roads.

PennDOT offered the following additional fall driving tips:

•ChHck yRuU vHhLcOH’V hHDGOLJhWV, WDLOOLJhWV DnG WuUn signals to ensure they are working properly, since darkness will be part of many drivers’ morning and evening commutes.

•HDvH yRuU vHhLcOH’V hHDWLnJ DnG wLSHU VyVWHPV checked to ensure they are working properly. Pennsylvania law requires you to turn on your headlights if your wipers are in use.

•BH VuUH yRu hDvH WLUHV wLWh VuIficLHnW WUHDG GHSWh Ln case of an early season snowfall.

•:DWch IRU VWuGHnWV wDOkLnJ RU wDLWLnJ IRU WhHLU EuVes along your commute route.

sisit www.R11pa.com or call R11 from any phone WR chHck WUDIfic cRnGLWLRnV EHIRUH hHDGLnJ RuW. 0RWRUists should safely pull off the road before calling the system, or check online for travel information before leaving home.

)RU PRUH IDOO VDIHWy WLSV DnG RWhHU hLJhwDy VDIHWy information, visit www.JustDrivePA.com.