Despite this Wednesday’s forecast high near 90 degrees, it is actually fall here on the Chesapeake. For those of us eager for the full Fall experience, this weekend promises lows in the 40s. Beyond that, we’re in the heart of high school football season and the pumpkin spice is in full bloom at your favorite coffee shop.

Speaking of staying alert, this time of year brings with it a number of challenges on area roadways, and a cup of coffee may not be enough to keep you safe from a potential fender bender. Though we are still several weeks out from whitetail rutting season, we are beginning to see the leaves on the trees begin to turn colors and gather on roads. In our decades repairing vehicles after a collision, we can say with confidence that one of the best ways to avoid a collision is to take preventive measures far before the moment of impact. What does that look like? For starters, make sure that your brakes are in good working order and your tire tread depth measures well above 4/32″. The lower your tread depth, the higher the risk of your vehicle not stopping as needed. For instance, the risk of hydroplaning increase with a lower tread depth.

If you have questions about your vehicle’s ability to safely handle seasonal road conditions, we recommend asking your auto mechanic to check all systems for proper safety and function.