Autumn brings its own unique challenges for drivers across the UK. Shorter days, wet roads, falling leaves, and early morning fog combine to create hazardous conditions, especially for HGV and van drivers. Staying safe requires awareness, preparation, and careful driving techniques. This guide provides essential autumn driving tips and advice on HGV safety, fog driving, and wet weather road safety.
Understanding Autumn Road Hazards
During autumn, drivers face a range of hazards that can increase the risk of accidents:
- Slippery roads: Fallen leaves and rain create slick surfaces, reducing tyre grip.
- Reduced visibility: Early morning and evening fog can severely limit sight lines.
- Longer stopping distances: Wet surfaces increase braking distance, particularly for heavy vehicles.
- Changing light conditions: Low sun angles can cause glare, making it harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.
Being aware of these risks is the first step to ensuring HGV safety and safe van operations throughout the season.
Key Autumn Driving Tips
Whether you drive a van or a heavy goods vehicle, following these practical tips can help you stay safe on autumn roads:
- Slow down in wet conditions: Reduce speed on slippery roads to maintain control and allow extra braking distance.
- Increase following distance: Keep a safe gap between your vehicle and the one ahead, giving yourself time to react.
- Check your tyres and brakes: Proper tyre tread and well-maintained brakes are critical for stopping safely on wet or leaf covered roads.
- Use headlights appropriately: In fog or low light conditions, use dipped headlights or fog lights to improve visibility without dazzling other drivers.
Stay alert for black ice: Watch for patches of ice on bridges, shaded roads, and near water, which are common in autumn mornings.
Fog Driving Advice for HGVs and Vans
Fog can appear suddenly and reduce visibility dramatically. Fog driving advice for professional drivers includes:
- Reduce speed: Slow down and stay alert, as stopping distances increase in foggy conditions.
- Avoid overtaking: Only overtake if absolutely necessary and safe to do so.
- Use road markings: Follow lane markings carefully to stay on course.
Listen for traffic: Keep your windows slightly open to hear other vehicles approaching.
Wet Weather Road Safety
Rain and wet roads are another major autumn hazard. Heavy vehicles and vans must take extra care:
- Aquaplaning: If you feel your vehicle start to aquaplane, avoid sudden steering or braking and gently ease off the accelerator.
- Spray reduction: Keep a safe distance to avoid reduced visibility from spray created by other vehicles.
- Regular checks: Ensure windscreen wipers, lights, and tyres are fully operational before long journeys.
Conclusion
Autumn driving brings unpredictable conditions that can challenge even the most experienced HGV and van drivers. Following these autumn driving tips, prioritising HGV safety, and practising fog driving advice and wet weather road safety can help prevent accidents and keep drivers, passengers, and other road users safe.
Staying vigilant, adjusting your speed, and maintaining your vehicle are simple steps that make a significant difference in autumn’s wet and foggy conditions. Safe driving starts with preparation—so take the time to plan and protect yourself on the road this autumn.
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