Fall is arguably one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, especially in central Illinois. As a semi-truck driver, it can be easy to get distracted by all of the brightly colored leaves or seemingly clear roads, however, dangers come in all shapes and sizes. While there isn’t any snow or heavy rains in the fall, other dangers arise that truck drivers should always be on the lookout for. If you’re going to be on the road frequently this fall season, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind while driving!

Prepare for Cold & Icy Weather Conditions in the Fall

Abrupt changes in weather conditions are fairly common in the fall season. You may find yourself driving through blue skies and warm temperatures at the start of your drive in the morning, only to find yourself in freezing and potentially icy conditions when it gets dark. Shaded areas of the road can create frost, becoming dangerous for truck drivers at night who are not expecting it. At Bob & Ron’s Repair Service Inc., we recommend all truck drivers be extra conscious of their surroundings in the fall season to keep themselves and others safe on the road.

Watch Out for Wildlife

Wildlife is always something to be conscious of when driving on the road. However, in the fall months, deer are notorious for grazing on the side of the road or crossing it without warning. As truck drivers, we know abrupt stops are not always possible, that’s why we recommend always being aware of any wildlife you notice while driving. Pay attention to road signs indicating deer or moose and do not exceed the speed limit near wooded or grassy areas.

Lower Visibility – During the Day & At Night

Daylight savings time in the fall months means shorter days and longer nights, signaling an increase in lower visibility for truck drivers. Before driving at night, make sure to check the quality of your lights and increase your following distance when next to other vehicles. During the day, watch out for bright sunlight beams that could cause visibility issues as well. Recognizing the potential for low visibility keeps you one step closer to staying a safe driver.

Watch for Farmers during the Fall Season

It is no secret that fall is harvest season, but it can sometimes be easy to forget that that means more tractors and combines will frequently be crossing roads to attend their fields. We all know that tractors are not necessarily known for moving fast, in fact, you could be stuck behind a tractor for a long while until you can drive at normal speed again. Make sure if you are in your semi or commercial truck, to keep an extra eye out for farmers and farming equipment that may require you to make a sudden stop.