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TRANSCRIPT
• The fall season brings changes to the climate of
the Southwest, and with the shifting temperatures
come significant alterations in traffic conditions.
Residents should keep in mind that they may need
to adjust their driving habits during these months.
Let’s take a look at tips for staying safe on the road
in the fall.
• Glare from the sun creates issues for drivers during the early fall season. A significant number of auto accidents stem from temporary blinding caused by sunrays.
• Due to the position of the Earth relative to the sun at this time of year, drivers who travel down streets with an east-west orientation will often find themselves staring into the sun.
• Consider buying a pair of sunglasses with polarized lenses to keep in the car.
• Deer tend to be most active in the fall,
and their unwillingness to obey traffic
signs poses a threat to motorists.
• There are an estimated 80,000 mule
deer across the state of New Mexico.
• They’re most commonly seen at sunrise
and twilight. Keep a lookout for them
around these times.
• Fall is when kids return to school.
While driving, it’s important to be
aware of the presence of children,
especially smaller ones who may lack
sufficient awareness of their
surroundings.
• Due to school hours, kids are most
likely to be out and about in the
morning and afternoon, while walking
to and from class.
• One simple trick to cope with sun glare
during the fall season is to wash your
windshield. Make sure you clean both
sides.
• Sunlight tends to highlight all the dirt and
blotches present on the windshield. This
can obstruct your vision.
• Temperature variations during the fall
season causes tires to contract and
expand. As a result, your car’s tires
may lose air.
• Underinflated tires are a road hazard,
as they generate more friction than
correctly inflated ones. This increases
the odds of a tire blowout.
• Use a gauge to check your tire
pressure on a periodic basis. Don’t
depend on a visual inspection—an
underinflated tire may look
deceptively normal.
• The Southwest doesn’t see a lot of rain, but the
intermittent precipitation in the fall can create
hazards on the road.
• When rainwater mixes with oil that has been
collecting on the road for a while, the result is a
slippery driving surface. Areas with more regular
rainfall tend not to have this problem, as the
precipitation routinely washes away these oils.
• Be sure to drive cautiously in these conditions.
• During the fall, it’s not uncommon for New
Mexico residents to be subject to a “Dense
Fog Advisory.” This indicates road conditions
where visibility has been reduced to a quarter
of a mile or less.
• In foggy conditions, be sure to maintain a
safe distance from other cars on the road.
• The dropping temperatures of the fall
months can trigger several mechanical
issues.
• Colder weather strains your car battery.
Be aware that it is more likely to give out
during this time.
• This season also sees a lot of stalled
engines. You may wish to get a tune-up to
prevent difficulties.
Desert Sun Auto Group is a
leading automotive dealership in
the state of New Mexico, offering
a wide selection of new and used
Chevrolet, Buick, Chrysler,
Cadillac, GMC, Dodge, Jeep,
RAM, and Toyota vehicles. The
dealership serves the Greater
New Mexico and West Texas
areas.
www.desertsunmotors.com