Slow down on leaf-covered roads

Rain, wind, pumpkins, and falling leaves. The signs of autumn have returned, and that doesn't just mean it's time to decorate for Halloween or watch football all weekend. The fall months can be a dangerous time on the roads as those colorful leaves cover the streets, making them more slippery and harder to see.

Pennsylvania supports over 130 species of trees, making its fall season the longest and most variable in the world. While that beauty shouldn't be taken for granted, it also brings several potential dangers for drivers:

People and pets in the roadway: Children and pets could be playing in the leaf piles, and those piles aren't always within a fenced yard. Residential areas especially will require extra attention during the fall season.

Fallen leaves may mean fallen trees: If the autumn winds blow strongly enough, they may knock over the trees themselves. Beware of this if you're thinking of driving through a heavily wooded area on a windy day. Roads blocked by trees can come up suddenly around curvy roads, and road maintenance workers could be walking in areas that make them vulnerable to vehicles.

Leaves can conceal street lines or other hazards: Lane changes and oncoming traffic become more complicated if the leaves are so thick that drivers can't see the lines on the roads. That also means bumps, sharp debris, dead animals or other hazards could be hidden under the leaves.

Here are some tips for keeping you and others safe on the roads this fall:

• Follow the speed limit, and consider going slower than the posted speed to add a safety buffer for any unexpected challenges during your drive. Give yourself some extra time before you start driving so you don't feel like you have to rush. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported 187 deaths in 2018 from speed-related crashes.

• Keep extra distance between your vehicle and other drivers. If the person ahead of you suddenly hits the brakes, you'll be more prepared. It's also possible that drivers around you won't keep consistent speeds because they are looking at the leaves.

• Don't drive distracted. Stopping or slowing down to look at the scenery is one form of this, but so is texting, messing with the radio, doing makeup, or anything else that draws your eyes away from the road. You'll need to pay extra attention for potholes and other hazards that might be covered by the leaves.

• Check your tire traction and pressure so your wheels are performing at their best in the potentially slippery conditions. When wet weather combines with fallen leaves, it's basically equivalent to driving on ice.

For more safety tips on driving in fall conditions or if you want to see some insurance options for personal, farm or commercial purposes, visit Donegal Insurance Group online.