In the Las Vegas Valley, many residents welcome the arrival of autumn as it means relief from the brutal summer temperatures that typically reach triple digits. Average daytime highs begin dropping in late September, making October and November ideal months for outdoor activities. Despite the mild climate, however, autumn can hold a few surprises for drivers that can prove perilous.
(-- removed HTML --) Rain (-- removed HTML --)
Less than 5 inches of rain falls in Las Vegas during a typical year, and most precipitation occurs in the winter. The dry climate increases the chances that dust will build up on local roads, especially in the fall. Automotive fluids can also build up on pavements. With little rain falling during the autumn, there is little chance that the roads will be cleared of fluids and dirt, increasing the risk of skidding. Should a light rain fall, the water will only make the pavement even slicker. Drivers should exercise caution after a drizzle to reduce the possibility of a skid.
(-- removed HTML --) Glare (-- removed HTML --) …show more content…
As the Earth orbits the sun, the tilt of its axis means that the sun's rays strike the Earth at different angles as the seasons progress. In the autumn, the smaller angle means that the sun is more likely to be near the horizon and shining directly into your eyes or reflecting from your car's rearview mirror. It also means that sunlight will be reflected from windows, buildings and cars at just the right angle to create a glare that can temporarily affect your ability to see people, cars and traffic lights. If your windshield is smudged or streaked, the effects of the glare can be exacerbated. Keeping your sunglasses handy and your windshield clean can help you see better when exposed to
(-- removed HTML --) Rain (-- removed HTML --)
Less than 5 inches of rain falls in Las Vegas during a typical year, and most precipitation occurs in the winter. The dry climate increases the chances that dust will build up on local roads, especially in the fall. Automotive fluids can also build up on pavements. With little rain falling during the autumn, there is little chance that the roads will be cleared of fluids and dirt, increasing the risk of skidding. Should a light rain fall, the water will only make the pavement even slicker. Drivers should exercise caution after a drizzle to reduce the possibility of a skid.
(-- removed HTML --) Glare (-- removed HTML --) …show more content…
As the Earth orbits the sun, the tilt of its axis means that the sun's rays strike the Earth at different angles as the seasons progress. In the autumn, the smaller angle means that the sun is more likely to be near the horizon and shining directly into your eyes or reflecting from your car's rearview mirror. It also means that sunlight will be reflected from windows, buildings and cars at just the right angle to create a glare that can temporarily affect your ability to see people, cars and traffic lights. If your windshield is smudged or streaked, the effects of the glare can be exacerbated. Keeping your sunglasses handy and your windshield clean can help you see better when exposed to