WATCH OUT FOR SLIPPERY ROADS
17 November 2006 - IAM Institute of Advanced Motorists

Leaves and rain block the drain

Autumn is a lovely time of year and compared to winter, it''s a lot
easier to cope with from the drivers'' perspective.

Granted, it''s a bit later than usual this year, but autumn has now
arrived and with it we have two predictable seasonal problems. Fallen
leaves may be colourful, but when they are combined with heavier
seasonal rainfall, they can catch out an unwary road user.

Slippery leaves are a significant traction problem. As they fall, they
tend to accumulate near the gutter. That in turn means that there is a
potential vicious circle: the leaves get soaked and stick together,
effectively blocking the drain and preventing water running away. So a
combination of mushed up leaves and water accumulates, quickly building
up in autumn to create a possible skid area for motorists, and a
difficult area to negotiate for those on two wheels such as
motorcyclists.

The classic problem area is a leafy avenue where a motorist is taking a
corner and perhaps unaware that one or more wheels are sliding across
the mulch at the same time.

The darker mornings and early evenings also means that spotting surface
water is not as easy at this time of year. If the road surface is
black, you can''t see where pockets of water have accumulated until you
hit them, which can mean a sharp, unexpected jolt on the steering wheel.

Treat leaves and surface water with a degree of caution and be ready to
slow down a little; you need to be certain what it is you are driving
on.

For other driving tips visit iam.org.uk or drivingtips.org.uk.

www.iam.org.uk

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