Essential Fall Driving Tips to Prevent a Collision

Fall is here, bringing beautiful foliage to Parkville, Maryland, but also introducing unique driving challenges on roads like Joppa Road and surrounding Baltimore County streets. At Jerry’s Collision Center, your trusted local auto body shop for collision repair in Parkville, we want to help you prevent an accident before it even happens. A little extra caution this season can save you from needing our dent repair, car paint, or auto body services!

Here are our top tips for safe fall driving and avoiding a car accident:

Watch Out for Wet Leaves: The Unseen Hazard

Those beautiful golden and red leaves become a significant safety risk once they get wet.

Slick Surfaces: Wet leaves are as slippery as ice! They drastically reduce your tire traction, making it harder to brake safely and easy to lose control, especially on curves or during quick stops.
Concealed Hazards: Piles of leaves can hide dangerous obstacles like potholes, curbs, or even debris in the road.
The Fix: Slow down significantly when driving on leaf-covered roads. Increase your following distance to give yourself more time to stop safely. Treat large patches of wet leaves like an icy patch.

Prepare for Low Visibility: Fog, Glare, and Darkness

Shorter days and characteristic fall weather in Maryland mean you’ll be dealing with more low-visibility driving conditions.

Sun Glare: The sun is lower in the sky during the morning and afternoon commute, creating intense, blinding glare. Keep your windshield clean (inside and out!) and always have a good pair of sunglasses handy.
Foggy Conditions: Fog often rolls in fast, particularly in the mornings. If you encounter fog, turn on your low-beam headlights—never your high beams, as they only reflect off the fog and worsen visibility.
Shorter Daylight: The switch to Daylight Saving Time (and shorter overall days) means you’ll be driving in the dark more often. Ensure all your vehicle lights—headlights, taillights, and turn signals—are working perfectly. If you need a headlight restoration or auto electrical service, Jerry’s Collision Center can help ensure you can see and be seen!

Mind the Wildlife: Deer Danger in Parkville

Fall is mating season for deer, making them much more active, especially at dawn and dusk.

High-Risk Times: Be extra vigilant during your morning and evening commute, the times when deer are most likely to cross Joppa Road and local routes.
Travel in Packs: If you spot one deer, assume others are nearby.
No Swerving: If a deer suddenly appears, do not swerve. Hitting a deer is often safer than swerving into oncoming traffic or off the road, which can result in a much more severe collision. Maintain a firm grip, brake firmly, and stay in your lane.

Essential Fall Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

Before the weather gets truly nasty, make sure your car is ready to handle the seasonal change.

Tires: Check your tire pressure (it drops as temperatures do!) and tread depth for maximum traction control on wet roads.
Wipers: Replace old or brittle windshield wipers so they can clear rain and fog effectively.
Brakes: Have your brakes inspected. Being able to stop quickly and reliably is critical for accident prevention.

If the Worst Happens, We’ve Got You Covered.

Even the most cautious drivers can be involved in a car crash. If you find yourself in an accident on Joppa Road or anywhere in Parkville or the Baltimore area, remember Jerry’s Collision Center is here for you.

We are your local experts for comprehensive auto body repair, from minor paintless dent removal (PDR) to major frame straightening and full collision restoration. We work with all car insurance companies to get you back on the road safely and quickly.

Drive Safe, Parkville!

Jerry’s Collision Center 1940 East Joppa Road, Parkville, MD Your trusted collision repair shop near me in Baltimore County. 📞Call us today for a free auto body repair estimate! 443-461-0259