Autumn risk risk: How to protect yourself when driving!

Autumn risk risk: How to protect yourself when driving!

Hessen, Deutschland - 14.11.24 - Attention, drivers! Autumn not only brings bright colors, but also treacherous dangers on the streets! The combination of deep sun, damp lanes and falling leaves turns the streets into a dangerous slide. When the leaves get wet, a slippery layer is created that extends the braking distance considerably. Wolfgang Herda, traffic expert of the ADAC Hessen-Thuringia, warns urgently: "Drivers should now be particularly attentive. Excessive speed and abrupt brakes can have fatal consequences!"

risk of slipping for cyclists

Not only drivers have to be careful! Cyclists are also particularly at risk in autumn. Foliage on bike paths turns into a dangerous, slippery surface when wet. Unevenness and hidden obstacles can quickly lead to falls. Herda recommends reducing the air pressure of the tires to get more grip and drive more safely across the slippery paths. "This way the wheel can be controlled better," he explains.

legal responsibility

The removal of leaves is not only a question of security, but also legal responsibility. Municipalities are obliged to keep the streets and sidewalks safely. But homeowners can be held responsible for cleaning the sidewalk. The Higher Regional Court of Hamm makes it clear that leaves are inevitable in autumn and that the municipalities are not always obliged to clean them immediate. If the bike path is impossible due to leaves, cyclists can switch to the street, but only if it is safe!