AUTUMN DRIVING SAFETY TIPS

Slippery roads

* Gold and copper leaves look beautiful on the trees but can become a hazard when they fall on wet roads, creating a skid risk and potentially obscuring road markings, or masking potholes. Take greater care when driving through areas bordered by deciduous trees by reducing speed, especially around corners.

* Morning frost can create icy patches on shaded areas of the road and across bridges and overpasses. Take extra care by reducing your speed.

Rain and floods

* Rain reduces your visibility and increases braking distances, so it's advisable to double the distance between you and the car in front.

* Use your headlights when visibility is reduced. Fortunately, many modern cars have headlights that automatically switch on in low light conditions. You should regularly check the functioning of all your lights, and the condition of your windscreen wipers, replacing any defective bulbs and blades.

* If the roads are flooded, bear in mind that a car can float in as little as two feet of standing water, so don't attempt to cross deep water.

* If crossing smaller pools of water, drive slowly but keep en...