The changing of the leaves in the fall is a beautiful phenomenon. However, it also can be quite dangerous once those leaves begin to fall to the ground.
Spectrum News 1 explains fallen leaves on pavement can create hazards for vehicles and for people walking on sidewalks.
Hidden dangers
Fallen leaves create a blanket all over the ground. They can easily hide hazards on roads or on sidewalks. You should be especially careful when approaching a leaf-covered area so you can react if there is something hidden under the leaves.
Lowered visibility
If you are in an area with a lot of downed leaves and the wind picks up, it can blow them around and reduce your visibility. Unlike precipitation, it can be tough to wipe away leaves from your windshield with your wipers, so it can be very dangerous.
Most dangerous
The most dangerous situation with fallen leaves is when they get wet. They turn incredibly slippery. They become almost just like ice, but perhaps worse since they can shift about whereas ice is stable. When driving on wet leaves, you have to allow for more stopping time and take turns more carefully. When walking, treat them like ice.
Clogged drains
Leaves also can lead to compounding problems. They get stuck in storm drains and clog them up so water cannot get down. This can lead to flooding in areas that could lead to hydroplaning or other issues.
While the changing leaves in the fall are beautiful, they are also a hazard. Make sure you prepare for this time of year and know the risks leaves pose.