The Shadow
RICHMOND, VA (November 6, 2026) – Fall foliage may be beautiful, but wet, fallen leaves can create dangerous driving conditions. When combined with rain, leaves can make roadways slippery, reduce tire traction and increase stopping distances.
“Wet leaves can be just as slippery as ice, making it harder for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles and stop safely,” said Morgan Dean, spokesperson for AAA Club Alliance. “As fall weather brings more rain and leaves to the roadways, drivers should slow down, increase following distances and stay alert.”
AAA offers the following tips for safer fall driving:
- Slow down: Reduce speed when driving on wet or leaf-covered roads. Posted speed limits are designed for ideal conditions.
- Increase following distance: Allow extra room between your vehicle and the one ahead to account for longer stopping distances.
- Avoid sudden movements: Brake, accelerate and steer gently to reduce the risk of skidding on slippery leaves.
- Improve visibility: Turn on headlights in rainy conditions and replace worn windshield wipers.
- Watch for hidden hazards: Wet leaves can cover potholes, road markings and other roadway hazards.
- Be alert for ponding: Wet leaves can create ponding on the roads when they clog storm drains and roadway runoff channels.
- Never drive through flooded roadways: Even shallow or moving water can be dangerous.
Your tires are your vehicle’s connection to the road, and that connection is especially important this time of year. “Drivers should make sure their tires have adequate tread, are properly inflated and are free of damage,” added Dean.
Even with good tires, slowing down, staying alert and leaving additional space between vehicles can make a big difference on wet, leaf covered fall roads.
