We all know that the days get shorter in the fall and you know what this means? You'll be driving in the dark much more often.

And with the time change coming very soon, nighttime hours can be the worst time to drive just about anywhere.

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The most important thing you can do during more nighttime driving, "stay alert."

First of all, it's extremely important to make sure your headlights are on during early morning and early evening hours. And of course this includes all nighttime driving.

Always be on the lookout for pedestrians and deer. How many times have you been driving when it's dark and you can barely see directly in front of you because it's dark and there are no street lights on.

Best thing you can do is to stay alert and be on the lookout for any movement in any direction. Sometimes pedestrians wear darker clothes and it's difficult to see them.

Another driving hazard is deer. Every morning when I drive into work around 5 a.m., I always see at least three to ten deer, depending on the day.

Then there are some mornings when two or three deer will dart out in front of my vehicle. That's why I drive the speed limit and use extreme caution.

In really dark areas of the road, you should always use your high beams just to help you see better. Especially when it comes to deer or pedestrians.

Another fall driving hazard to be aware of are more students either walking or biking to school in the morning.

According to mlive.com:

Since more students are walking and biking to school, you’ll need to stay alert around schools and neighborhoods. Also be aware of bus safety and school drop-off procedures and avoid those areas when possible.

Yes the fall months are upon us and now is the time to focus on staying more alert.

Even falling leaves can be a distraction while driving, as well as fog and frost. We're into the month of October now and before you know it, November will be here too.

Please don't drive distracted so we can not only keep you safe, but others as well.

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