Fall means crisp air, autumn colors, sweaters and football season. It’s also a time when roads can be dangerous. Here are some tips to stay safe this season:

Don’t brake on leaves. Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice. Drive slowly through them and avoid hard braking. Remember, potholes may be hiding under the leaves.

Avoid sun glare. Just after sunrise and before sunset can make for more difficult driving due to sun glare. Wear sunglasses and keep your windshield clean.

Adjust your eyes. We lose 1 to 2 minutes of daylight daily after the autumnal equinox, according to the National Weather Service. Before driving, give your eyes time to adjust to the dark.

Watch out for deer. Autumn marks the beginning of deer breeding season and they will be more active in areas near the road. Deer are most active during sunset and sunrise so be extra watchful when driving near the woods and near deer crossing signs.

Leave early. Allow extra time to get to your destination, and don’t make up time on the road. Build in margin to get around road work, accidents, and unplanned stops.

Maintain your vehicle.

• Check your tire pressure and make sure the tread on your tires is in good condition.
• Replace your windshield wipers.
• Adjust your headlights.
• Put a window scraper and de-icer in your car (winter is on its way!)

Be extra cautious. Be extra cautious of children near the road and pedestrians. Kids are likely to be playing in the leaves outside of their homes in the fall, so avoid big piles of leaves and go extra slow in residential areas.

Prepare your home for winter. Have your furnace and gas logs checked. Clean out the gutters, check weather stripping on doors and windows, and repair cracks and leaks. Buy a snow shovel and ice melt now so you are not caught in the rush before winter storms.