Every season has unique driving challenges that could lead to collisions or moving violations. For instance, you're likely familiar with summer construction and the ice and snow of winter. Similarly, fall has hazards that could damage your driving record and raise your car insurance rates. The information below discusses the most important of these and explains how to deal with them.

4 Tips for Driving Safely in Fall to Keep Your Insurance Rates Low

1. Beware of Deer

Deer are particularly active during fall as they stray further afield than normal in search of food to prepare for winter. Keep your eyes on the road at all times, but pay extra attention when driving at dusk on rural roads. Never ignore Deer Crossing signs, and plan to brake at a moment's notice.

2. Look Out for Children

Kids are just returning to school in fall and may not be as careful as they should be. Keep an eye out for children crossing the road at inopportune moments or rough-housing while waiting at the bus stop. Pay careful attention to School Crossing signs and the flashing lights of school buses.

3. Prepare for Early Darkness

The days grow naturally shorter as the year progresses, but after the time change, it could be dark during both parts of your commute. Make sure your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are all functioning properly, watch for obstacles in the darkness, and shield your eyes against oncoming headlight glare.

4. Drive Carefully Over Leaves

Fallen leaves make the road surface slippery and unpredictable. If you're driving on a leaf-covered road, adjust your speed when taking curves, keep a safe distance between yourself and the car ahead of you, and plan your stops well in advance.

Autumn presents many driving hazards that could ding your car and bump up your car insurance rates, so take particular care while on the road. To see if you can lower your rates or improve your coverage, contact 1st Choice Insurance in Fairfield, OH. They've been serving Butler County residents and businesses for more than 30 years, and they specialize in cheap car insurance, motorcycle coverage, high-risk drivers, and SR-22 insurance. Visit their website to view office hours, and call (513) 860-0666 to request a car insurance quote.