Fall driving in Chicago may feel relatively easy compared with dealing with icy winter roads or heavy summer rainstorms. But as road conditions change in the fall, drivers have to pay attention to new risks on the road. Ignoring factors like wet leaves on the roads and fewer hours of sunlight can leave you vulnerable. The best way to prepare yourself is to stay alert to changing conditions and make sure you have the right auto insurance protection in case an accident does happen.

What Makes Driving in Chicago Different in the Fall?

Fall sounds like a safe season to many Midwest drivers, but it brings its own road hazards. Morning commuters have less daylight during their commute, and earlier sunsets mean that many people drive home in darkness. This decreased visibility makes it harder to spot pedestrians on the sidewalk and cyclists on the road, which is especially dangerous for drivers navigating busy streets during the evening commute. Drivers may also have less time to react when someone enters the road unexpectedly.

Leaves create their own driving hazards, too. They can make pavement slippery, and they can cover potholes and lane lines on the road. Many Chicago-area drivers are already very familiar with heavy traffic and frequent stops while they’re commuting or running errands, but wet leaves can make it take longer to stop. Rain can make the problem worse by leaving leaves wet and pavement slick, so give yourself more room when traffic starts to slow.

What Should Drivers Do Differently When Fall Weather Changes?

A few simple changes can make a difference when fall conditions start affecting the road.

• Changes in Visibility: When visibility becomes worse in the fall, Chicagoland drivers should be especially alert in rainy conditions and when it begins to get dark. You don’t want to miss something that would have been easier to spot in clear daylight. It helps to keep your headlights and windshield clear.
• Slick Roads: Leave more space between your car and the vehicle ahead, and start braking earlier when the roads are slick. Be alert and avoid having to make abrupt turns when the roads are wet or covered in leaves.
• Deer Sightings: Deer sightings become more common in the suburbs and rural areas outside of Chicago. Deer activity increases throughout the fall, so slow down and pay attention when you’re driving in these areas, especially around dawn and dusk. Experts advise against swerving suddenly when you see a deer, since that can cause you to lose control of your car or slide into another lane.

These seasonal conditions come around every year, so you have a good chance to prepare your car before you encounter any issues on the road. Check your tires, windshield wipers, lights, and brakes early enough to fix any problems before conditions get worse.

Does Your Auto Insurance Still Fit Your Needs for Fall Driving?

Fall is also a good time to take another look at what your auto insurance policy actually covers. Take a few minutes to review your policy.

• Liability Coverage: This addresses the injuries or property damage you cause to someone else.
• Collision Coverage: This can help pay for repairs to your vehicle after a collision, including an accident caused by slick fall road conditions.
• Comprehensive Coverage: This can cover certain types of damage that aren’t caused by a collision. Check your policy to see what it covers. Comprehensive coverage may also be relevant when you’re thinking about certain non-collision risks that can happen during fall driving.

Don’t forget to review your deductibles and limits, since you can owe out of pocket costs even if you have coverage for an incident. If you’re concerned your coverage doesn’t provide you enough protection, check out your local Amigo Insurance office. As an independent insurance agency, we work with multiple insurance carriers and can help you choose an option that works best with your budget and coverage needs. Auto insurance can be a complicated decision to make, so Amigo agents are around to help you work through your options.

Not sure how much coverage makes sense for you? Read our guide on how much car insurance you actually need in Illinois.

Get Ready Before Fall Driving Gets Complicated

Fall driving doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does call for a little more attention to changing road conditions. Taking care of your car and reviewing your insurance now can help you feel more prepared for the months ahead.

Amigo Insurance can help you compare coverage options through multiple insurance carriers, with local agents available when you have questions. Get an auto insurance quote in two minutes and see what options are available for you.