Posts made in September 2018

Driving in Autumn: How Fallen Leaves Pose a Driving Hazard

fallen autumn leaves and rain puddleFor many of us, the arrival of autumn means excitement for some of our favorite traditions. We think of pumpkin picking, hay rides, and fresh apple cider. What we don’t typically think about, however, is the dangers that the new season may pose to unwary drivers.

As motorists, most of us know that an excess of rainwater can cause loss of control behind the wheel. However, not all drivers are aware of the dangers posed by wet leaves.

As we progress into the season, leaves fall off the trees in our neighborhood, often accumulating in our driveways and local roads. Leaves also have a waxy coating that prevents water from being absorbed. (Have you ever watered your plants and noticed that the water droplets sit atop the leaves rather than disappearing into them?) This means that water simply pools on top of leaves on the ground, leaving a thin layer of water that can create a hazard while you drive. A single layer of wet leaves can make braking, steering and stopping difficult.

Even when they are dry, fallen leaves can also pose a danger by hiding potholes or painted lines on the road.

When you get behind the wheel this fall, make sure to pay attention to fallen leaves, especially on those crisp and rainy days. Drive cautiously and leave adequate space between you and the motorist in front of you. If the worse happens and you find yourself with a dented fender or bumper, contact us for paintless dent removal in Arlington, TX. Our no-paint dent removal services can restore your vehicle to its original factory finish.