(Salzburg, September 20, 2022) – Falling leaves, early darkness and persistent fog are challenges for truck drivers across Europe in autumn. “A major problem in autumn are slippery roads,” warns 24/7 ASSISTANCE. Withered leaves and wetness increase the risk of slipping and, especially at night and in the early hours of the morning, freezing wetness and, in northern Europe, snow must already be expected, the experts make clear. Fog also causes poor visibility.

In addition to an adapted driving style, sufficient distance to vehicles in front is required, especially on bridges and hilltops as well as in forest roads, in order to avoid rear-end collisions. Another problem is dirt from the fields, which causes mud on the roads during harvest time, especially in rural areas. It also makes driving slippery. Special caution is necessary here.

Watch out, deer crossing!

According to 24/7 ASSISTANCE, critical situations can occur in the mornings and evenings in open fields and at the edges of forests. There is an increase in game crossing here in autumn. If a roe deer or a wild boar, a deer confused by the rutting season or, in northern countries for example, even love-struck moose appear at the edge of the road, it is important to dim the lights immediately,brake carefully and honk the horn, so that the animals take flight. If a collision can no longer be avoided, a controlled impact is better than a spontaneous evasive manoeuvre, so that the truck does not swerve, run into the oncoming lane and even cause a serious accident. Full braking should also be avoided.

After a collision, the hazard warning lights must be switched on immediately and the accident site secured. Immediately afterwards, inform the police and, depending on the country, a hunter and wait for their arrival. Never touch injured animals – they can fight back and bite. It is also forbidden to take a dead wild animal as a Sunday roast. In many countries, including Germany, this fulfils the definition of illegal poaching and is punishable by law.

Don’t lose your sight in fog

The wetter the weather, the greater the danger of dense autumn fog, which is particularly dense on all routes along lakes or moors. As a general rule, dipped headlights must be switched on in fog. When visibility is below 50 metres, the speed limit in most European countries is 50 km/h – even on the motorway. Under no circumstances should the high beam be used – reflections of the fine water droplets in the air make visibility even worse.

In addition, if visibility is severely impaired by fog, the fog lights should be switched on, and if the distance is less than 50 metres, the rear fog light should also be switched on.