I LOVE this time of year — I do most of my best adventures in Autumn. Reduced crowds plus beautiful scenery definitely make for some wonderful road trips.

Still, this time of year comes with some tricky driving conditions. Heavy rain, slippery leaves and glare/ low light can definitely make things a little more challenging.

Whilst I'm not going anywhere myself for a month or two (#surgeryrecovery), I know plenty of people are. If you're one of them, I wanted to share these tips with you.

Here are 10 tips for safe driving this Autumn

If you're heading out on a road trip within the next few weeks, here are some things to remember:

1. Be Mindful of Leaves: Fallen leaves can be slippery, especially when wet. Drive cautiously over leaf-covered roads, as they can reduce traction and make braking less effective.
2. Wet Conditions can be treacherous: Without wishing to state the obvious, rain makes roads wet and slick. Slow down and increase your braking distances in wet weather, which gives you more time to react in case of sudden stops or slippery road conditions.
3. Use Proper Tyres: Make sure your tyres are in good condition and have adequate tread depth and pressure. Consider switching to winter tyres if you're going to do a lot of winter travel (especially in European countries with the winter tyre law).
4. Beware of Sun Glare: The sun sits lower in the sky during autumn, which can create blinding glare during sunrise and sunset. Sunglasses can help, as can the sun visor- but beware of the visor blocking your vision.
5. Check Your Lights: Days become shorter in autumn (sorry for stating the obvious!), so it's essential to check all your vehicle's lights are working correctly. This includes headlights, brake lights, and indicators. (Yes, my indicators are finally working again. Yay!)
6. Keep Your Windscreen Clean: Falling leaves, rain, and mud can make your windscreen very dirty. Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition, and check the washer fluid is topped up. Someone on our last group trip had one of these which is a useful idea.
7. Be Alert for Wildlife: Autumn is mating season for many animals, so they may be more active near roads. Pay extra attention to the sides of the road, especially in wooded or rural areas. (I cannot BELIEVE how many reindeer I saw in Sweden and Finland in Autumn, just wandering down the road!)
8. Mind the Temperature: This time of year can bring frost or icy conditions during the early mornings and evenings. Be prepared for icy patches on the road, especially in shaded areas.
9. Prepare for Fog: Foggy conditions are common in Autumn, especially in the early mornings. Use your fog lights, reduce speed, and avoid using high beams, as they can reflect off the fog and reduce visibility further.
10. Be Prepared: If you're in a motorhome, you probably have plenty of gear in your van already, but if you're in a car make sure you have items like a torch, blanket, first aid kit, water and snacks on hand for a long drive. Just in case you break down or get stuck.

Remember that conditions can change rapidly during a drive. It's always a good idea to check the forecast before setting out and crucial to stay alert and adapt your driving as needed. Taking regular breaks is always a good idea.

I hope you have some wonderful Autumn/early winter expeditions planned!

Safe travels,

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