The All Saints weekend is sadly renowned for being one of the deadliest of the year on French roads. Shorter days, leaves, weather deteriorated: the dangers multiply.
It will get crowded on the roads during this long weekend of All Saints. In addition to those in holidays, many people will enjoy one of the few bridges of the year. Controls the security forces will be strengthened. But in addition to the presence of police in safety vest and gendarmes, motorists will have to be wary of the dangers inherent in this season.
Time change
In the night from Saturday to Sunday, we move to winter time. Good news, we gain an hour of sleep. However, it will be dark soon. This seems logical but motorists will be surprised on Monday. A peak accident rate is traditionally observed during this time change, especially in the evening 17 to 19 hours. Between dusk and fatigue of the day, drivers are less attentive.
The night makes it much more vulnerable pedestrians, cyclists and moped riders. It is therefore advisable to these road users to adapt their dress, with light colored clothing or with retro-reflective tape. The best is obviously wearing a fluorescent yellow vest. Cycling enthusiasts, more and more, should also check their lighting system and state of reflectors.
For motorists, it is a priority to conduct a review of the vehicle lighting, for hunting light bulbs and check the setting of the beams. Ensure the presence of replacement bulbs in your glove box. Side driving, be extra vigilant in unlit areas. Note that the day, the autumn sun is lower, that can quickly blind.
In the forest, beware of dead leaves and animals
You have seen, the trees are dressed in their beautiful colors. This autumn show is unfortunately short-lived as the leaves will quickly regain ground. And roads through forested areas can then turn into ice when the leaves fall on wet surfaces, which stick and clump the bitumen.
They represent a danger throughout the year, but this season more movement of animal populations is found. When you see an animal, drive pitch: deer and wild boars move more often in groups. A game can hide another!
The weather whims
The scorching temperatures of summer are a distant memory. Seasonality forces, the weather deteriorated. Rain, fog or snow weather disturbs driving. This time of year is also marked by the first morning frosts and freezing rain. Check your equipment in your car, with the presence of a hands handy ice scraper.
As you adapt your pace and your safety distances. It’s better to wear a reflective vest when you need to go out. Remember, when visibility is less than 50 meters, the speed limit is 50 km / h. Check wear and inflation of your tires. This is also the time to think about the tires winter, considered effective when the temperature goes below the threshold of 7 ° C.