Your guide to a safe autumn drive

As the days start to grow longer, darker and a little colder, you can expect to see a change on the roads too. Our guide to safe autumn driving has lots of tips to help you drive safely and enjoyably as the seasons change.

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When you lease a car or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) through the Motability Scheme, you’ll get an all-inclusive package. We’ll cover your insurance, servicing and maintenance. Plus, we’ll give you breakdown cover and tyre repairs.

With this guide, you should feel prepared to drive this autumn so you can enjoy getting out and about.

• Driving in the dark 
• Driving in fog
• Driving during a storm
• Driving with sun glare
• Top tips from driving in autumn

Driving in the dark

The Scheme’s package, and this guide will help you feel prepared to drive this autumn so you can enjoy getting out and about.

If you’re worried about driving with less light, you should do some short night drives to get you used to it.

Legally, you must use your lights at night. The way you use your lights is important, so here are some things to keep in mind from the Highway Code:

• Turn your dipped headlights on at night in built-up areas and in dull daytime weather to make sure you can be seen
• Keep your headlights dipped if you’re overtaking another vehicle, then change to main beam if needed
• If you use full beam, make sure you do not dazzle other drivers 

If you’re learning to drive, most driving instructors offer evening lessons to give their pupils more confidence driving in the dark. And even if you’ve passed your test, taking a Pass Plus course can help build you confidence as it covers a module on night driving. Pass Plus course, which covers night driving in one of its modules.

Driving in fog

Damp weather and low temperatures are likely to result in fog. Before you enter fog, you should check your mirrors, slow down and use your headlights if you cannot see properly. When you can see properly again, you should switch these off.

Fog is one of the most dangerous weather conditions, as an accident involving one car can quickly escalate to involve others if you are all driving too close. Leave a distance of at least three seconds between you and the car in front.

You should also stop in the correct position at junctions, try to listen for traffic, and drive only when you can see it’s safe. Once you’ve decided that you’re in a safe position to move forward, do not hesitate as you should reduce the amount of time you spend in the path of oncoming traffic.

If temperatures drop very low, black ice can form when freezing fog settles on the road. This can make it very slippery and hard to see, so it’s crucial to drive carefully.

Finally, remember to switch your fog lights off once the fog clears. Leaving them on in clear conditions can confuse and irritate other drivers, and you could be fined.

Driving during a storm

Storms can be unpredictable. You should be careful of sudden winds on open roads and bridges as they can nudge your car. And, if you can, try to hold the steering wheel tightly and be ready to correct your path. Be extra careful if you’re overtaking high-sided vehicles as strong winds can make them unstable.

You should also be mindful of large puddles and standing water during heavy rain and flooding, as they can be deeper than you think. If in doubt, turn back. If your car’s engine cuts out after driving through deep water, do not try to restart it, as you could damage the engine.

If the storm causes damage to your car and you breakdown, turn on your hazard warning lights and get in touch with RAC Motability Assist.

Dealing with sun glare

 Low autumn sun can catch you out, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon.  So be prepared.  Keep some sunglasses in your car and be ready to pull down the sun visor quickly.  Keeping your windscreen clean on the inside and outside will also help.

Also, you might not be seen by other road users if you’re driving out of the sun, so be alert and use your headlights where needed.

Top tips for driving in autumn

1) Basic car maintenance

Carry out regular checks on your car to make sure it’s in tip-top condition and all the fluids (oil, anti-freeze or coolant, and screen wash) are topped up. You should also make sure your tyres are in good condition and your windscreen wipers are working properly.

2) Think about your speed

If you’re driving in adverse weather, it’s important to reduce your speed. Avoid stopping suddenly as this can surprise other drivers. Always follow the speed limits, but if you need to go slower, do this gradually. That way, you can give other drivers time to see you and react.

From September, more children are around schools and nearby areas, especially around collection and drop off times. If they’re not wearing reflective clothing, it might be hard to spot them when it’s dark. You should always be mindful of vulnerable road users and take extra care around residential area.

3) Remind yourself how to use your fog lights

It’s likely you do not need to use them often, so it’s good to know where the controls are and the difference between the settings. You should know which lights are illuminated at the front and back of your car so you can use them with confidence.

4) Be prepared for first frosts

Do not be tempted to drive with frost on your windscreen and windows as this will limit your vision. Use an ice scraper or de-icer spray to clear the frost. You should not use boiling water to melt ice because it can crack or severely weaken your windscreen and windows.

Give yourself extra time on cold mornings to warm the car up and clear the windscreen and windows. Use the demister or air conditioning to get rid of condensation from your windows before you drive.

If you have an electric vehicle (EV), then you’ll be able to precondition your car. Preconditioning your car while it’s charging at home speeds up the process of using it. This heats up the battery and increases your driving range.

You should also always keep your windscreen and windows clean. Dirt and smudges can make them fog up inside, which can cause glare and make it hard to see.

5) Check your eyesight

Adjusting to the fading light as day turns into night can be hard. This is usually when you notice vision problems. You might struggle to see traffic signs clearly because of the glare of other vehicles and traffic lights. If you notice this, then you should book an eye test. Then you can make sure you’re wearing the correct glasses for driving at night if you need them.

6) Keep essential items in your car 

It’s helpful to feel prepared for any situation. Here are a few small things you can store in your car to add peace of mind:

• A torch is very useful if you breakdown at night  
• A blanket or warm clothing so you can stay comfortable if you break down and need to wait for help in the cold 
• A phone charging cable is always helpful, but especially if you’re waiting for someone to contact you about your breakdown 
• An ice scraper or de-icer to help clear your windows if the temperature drops.

If you do break down, you should find a safe and well-lit place to stop and leave your hazard warning lights on while you wait for help.

7) Lookout for road hazards

When you drive near trees, you should watch out for leaves covering potholes and road markings. Be careful and keep a larger gap between your car and the one in front, as leaves can make the road slippery, especially when it’s wet.

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