UK drivers issued urgent autumn warning - 'as dangerous as black ice'

Drivers across the UK have been warned of a hidden hazard this autumn that is "as dangerous as black ice". Experts are advising motorists up and down the nation to take extra care to avoid crashes and costly repair bills.

Driving conditions will be made more treacherous by fallen leaves over the coming months. They can often accumulate on roads and paths, becoming wet and slippery as they decompose. According to Gary Dodd, a professional driver from SCS Chauffeurs, wet leaves are one of the most overlooked hazards in the UK.

He warned: "People prepare for icy roads and fog in winter, but wet leaves can be just as dangerous. They drastically reduce tyre grip, increase stopping distances, and make skidding much more likely, especially on bends and at junctions."

Gary added: "On leaf-covered roads, a small misjudgement can have serious consequences. As chauffeurs, we're trained to anticipate hazards most drivers overlook, and at this time of year, leaf-covered roads are one of the biggest."

According to research by the Highway Code and the Department for Transport, stopping distances are more than doubled by wet conditions. Meanwhile, wet leaves contribute to a higher likelihood of skidding and crashes.

Gary is urging drivers to treat leaf-covered roads like icy surfaces this autumn. Motorists should reduce their speed and increase stopping distances in order to prevent losing control of their vehicle.

They should also make sure that leaves are cleared from their windscreen, mirrors and wipers before setting off on journeys. To prevent a build-up, Gary recommends keeping a small brush in the car and parking away from trees.

As well as increasing the chances of a crash, fallen leaves can cause damage to vehicles which are costly to drivers. Gary urges motorists to keep an eye on their vehicle to avoid any problems.

He recommends unblocking drainage around windscreens and making sure ventilation systems are not clogged to increase air flow. Gary also warns that sticky tree sap and leaf residue can mark or erode paintwork.

He explained: "Something as simple as not clearing your car of leaves could end up costing drivers thousands of pounds. A two-minute check before setting off can save a lot of money and potentially prevent an accident."