Autumn Safe Driving: Borden Insurance Agency in New Bedford
Before you jump in the car and drive over the river and through the woods to get to grandmother’s house, take time to read these autumn safe driving tips from your New Bedford auto insurance agency. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of knowledge to know what to avoid that can save you from getting into an accident. Fall comes with its own unique set of driving challenges apart from what you might experience during the rest of the year. Increased precipitation, leaves all over the place, sun glare from shorter days, and local wildlife are just some of the hazards we face. Car insurance in New Bedford is designed to protect you when you’re in an accident, but you can save money on your MA auto insurance policy if you have a good driving record. Borden Insurance Agency in New Bedford offers our customers a wide range of options to help them get the best coverage at the right price.
Tip #1 – Watch for Leaves
It is impossible to avoid leaves in New England, especially during the fall months. Your best bet is to learn all you can about driving on, in, and braking around leaves. Wet leaves can be just as slippery as black ice, so be careful when you drive through leaves on residential streets or the highway. Try to drive through slowly and do everything you can not to do any hard braking when leaves are on the road. Leaves can also blur the lines on the road, so be careful not to drive onto the shoulder or go into oncoming lanes.
Tip #2 – Learn How to Drive in the Rain
Spring and fall are the worst seasons for people who don’t know how to drive well in the rain. Take time to learn all about driving in the rain or consider taking a safety course to improve your skills. Ask your insurance agency in New Bedford for referrals to driving schools in the local area and ask if you might be eligible for a discount on your MA auto insurance policy when you complete the course. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicles in front of you in case the roads are slippery. Do everything you can to avoid hydroplaning and use the low beams or fog lights to help improve visibility when it’s rainy or foggy.
Tip #3 – Beware of Icy Bridges
As the temperature starts to drop, the first areas that will experience icy or slippery patches are bridges. Keep an eye out for bridges, overpasses, and even shaded spots on the road that might be more susceptible to ice and pooled water. Even if you are familiar with a particular neighborhood, roadway, or area, be alert during this time of year to avoid icy or slippery spots that might pop up suddenly.
Tip #4 – Here Comes the Sun
As the earth tilts on its axis at the fall equinox, the pattern of sunrise and sunset will change, causing the amount of light and angle of the sun to adjust during your commute. You might end up with the sun in your eyes or leave work when it’s dark. Give yourself a chance to get used to these changes, either delaying your drive home after work to avoid the sunlight in your eyes or by leaving earlier in the morning to avoid having the sunrise impact your vision.
Tip #5 – Wildlife in New England
Whether you are just driving around town or making a long drive each day to the office, be alert and pay attention in the fall. Wildlife of all sorts is out in droves as they are breeding, looking for food, and searching for new places to hibernate in the winter. Deer breeding season is perhaps the most dangerous of them all, with many local deer active in areas alongside and sometimes even in the road. The busiest hours for deer are at sunset and sunrise, which is when the sunlight can impact vision for drivers. Be careful near the woods and in any areas that have deer crossing signs, but be alert at all times during this season.
Tip #6 – Perform Maintenance Checks
If you switch out your tires for the season, you will want to check to make sure that your winter tires are ready to go so you can put them on at the first snowfall. While you wait, inspect your all-season tires and check the tire pressure. Studies show that tires will lose one to two pounds of pressure for every ten-degree temperature drop, so it’s a good idea to stay on top of your tires as the season changes. Check windshield wipers, fluids, windows, headlights, and other safety features to make sure you are ready and prepared for the weather.
Get a FREE Quote on Car Insurance in New Bedford
If you need New Bedford auto insurance or if you want to check your MA auto insurance policy for coverage, contact Borden Insurance Agency by calling 508-999-3636. We can answer any questions you might have about car insurance in New Bedford, provide a free quote, go over your existing coverage, and offer tips that will help you to stay safe on the road year-round. Call today and speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable agents about your auto insurance needs.