PennDOT Warns of Fall Driving Hazards

Wet leaves, fog, sun glare and frost pose risks to Pennsylvania drivers this autumn.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Forecasts

Wide photograph of a rural Pennsylvania road through a hardwood forest, its asphalt strewn with wet orange leaves and fog drifting across the lane. — PennDOT warned Pennsylvania drivers this autumn that wet leaves can be as slippery as ice, and that fog, sun glare and frost raise crash risks. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation issued a warning about fall driving hazards, including wet leaves that can be as slippery as ice and fog that reduces visibility at dawn and dusk. Drivers are urged to adjust their habits as the season brings sun glare, icy patches and increased deer activity.

Why it matters

Shorter daylight hours and seasonal conditions create visibility challenges on Pennsylvania roads, and the state's law requires headlights whenever wipers are in use due to weather. Autumn is also deer breeding season, which raises the chance of crashes with animals crossing roadways.

This is a PennDOT safety advisory rather than measured incident data, and it lists hazards by time of day, including fog at dawn and dusk and deer activity from sunset to sunrise. The advisory does not quantify recent crash counts or road-condition measurements, and those figures remain unreported.

The players

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)

PennDOT is the state agency responsible for designing, building, and maintaining Pennsylvania's roads, bridges, and transportation infrastructure.

The details

PennDOT advises drivers to slow down and increase following distance on wet leaves, and to keep low-beam headlights on in fog because high beams reflect off the fog and worsen visibility. Drivers are also encouraged to check headlights, taillights, wipers, heating systems and tire tread before winter, and to keep blankets, jumper cables, batteries and necessary medications in their vehicles.

Dawn and dusk: fog reduces visibility for drivers.
Just before dark: sun glare is a major issue in the evening.
Overnight, as temperatures dip toward freezing: ice patches can form on bridges, overpasses and shaded pavement.
Sunset to sunrise: deer are most active and often travel in groups.
Throughout the fall: construction zones remain active on roadways.

Seasonal Patterns

Pennsylvania's headlight requirement under state law applies whenever wipers are in use for weather, so the fall fog and rain described here trigger the same obligation that governs any wet-weather drive. The advisory's focus on autumn reflects the seasonal pattern of shorter daylight hours and deer breeding season arriving together.

Drivers should slow down on wet leaves and keep low-beam headlights on in fog, since high beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility. Before winter, check headlights, taillights, wipers, heating and tire tread, and keep blankets, jumper cables, batteries and necessary medications in the vehicle.

The takeaway

Slowing down, using low-beam headlights in fog, and preparing the vehicle before winter are the most practical steps drivers can take this season. Keeping emergency supplies in the car adds a margin of safety if conditions turn.