WASHINGTON, D.C., September 30, 2011 – This fall as the days grow shorter, leaves begin to turn and weather conditions change, GEICO is reminding drivers how to help stay safe on the roads:
Adjust to shorter days. Sunset arrives earlier with each passing day in autumn, even before clocks are set back at the end of daylight savings time on Sunday, Nov. 6. Adapt to darkened afternoons and evenings by using headlights when appropriate and remaining extra vigilant behind the wheel.
- Watch for children. In residential areas children are once again congregating at schools and school bus stops in the mornings and afternoons. Be mindful of school zones and bus stops and make sure to come to a complete stop when the red lights on school buses are flashing.
- Keep an eye out for deer. Deer migration and mating season generally runs from October to December, and more deer-vehicle collisions occur in this period than at any other time of year, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Drive with caution in deer-crossing areas and use high beam headlights at night when there is no oncoming traffic.
- Maintain visibility. Have headlight alignment checked during regular maintenance stops and wiper blades changed at least once a year, and in precipitation be sure to always use both to ensure you have optimal visibility and that other drivers can also see you.
- Be cautious around fallen leaves. Leaf-covered roads can be as slippery as ice when wet. Drive slowly, especially when making turns, on forested and tree-covered roads. Leaves can also get stuck under windshield wipers and clog engine parts, so make sure to keep wipers and grills clear of debris prior to your journey.
- Prepare for frost. As temperatures begin to dip, frost is more likely to accumulate on your vehicle and affect visibility. Keep a windshield scraper or brush in your car and remove any frost from your windshield and windows. Also, drive carefully under shaded areas like bridges and trees where the temperatures are cooler and roads may be icy.
For more information on safe driving, go to GEICO’s online auto safety library at http://geico.com/auto/safety/.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 11 million private passenger customers and insures more than 18 million vehicles (auto & cycle).
GEICO's online service center helps policyholders take care of policy sales, policy changes, claims reporting and to print insurance ID cards.
GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for boats, life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.
For more information, go to www.geico.com.
