The fall colors make for beautiful drives, but those leaves don't always stay on the trees.

Once leaves begin accumulating on the roadway, they can create several hazards for drivers. While slippery wet leaves may be the most obvious concern, fallen leaves can also hide potholes, curbs, debris, lane markings and other important roadway features.

That makes a leaf-covered road worth approaching with a little extra caution.

Leaves Can Hide More Than Pavement

A thick layer of leaves can make it difficult to see exactly what's underneath your tires.

That could include:

• Potholes
• Uneven pavement
• Curbs
• Road debris
• Lane markings
• Crosswalks
• Edge markings

These hidden hazards can be particularly troublesome on unfamiliar roads, narrow streets and rural routes.

Wet Leaves Create Another Problem: Traction

Add rain to fallen leaves and the problem becomes even greater.

Wet leaves can significantly reduce tire traction. Drivers who brake hard, follow vehicles too closely or carry too much speed into a curve have less room for error when traveling across a leaf-covered roadway.

Slow Down and Give Yourself Space

When approaching a heavily leaf-covered stretch of roadway:

• Reduce your speed before reaching the leaves.
• Increase the distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
• Avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
• Make smooth, controlled steering movements.
• Keep an eye out for visible changes in the pavement.
• Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread.

AAA also recommends slowing down, increasing following distance, avoiding sudden turns and remaining alert for potholes, curbs and markings hidden underneath leaves.

If your vehicle begins to skid on wet leaves, avoid slamming on the brakes. Ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly in the direction you want the vehicle to travel.

Keep Leaves Out of the Street

Fall driving safety starts at home, too.

When cleaning your property, avoid blowing or piling leaves into the roadway. Leaves can also clog storm drains, allowing water to collect on streets and create an additional driving hazard.

Enjoy the Season, But Stay Alert

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year to travel our Midwest roads, but changing seasonal conditions mean drivers need to change their habits as well.

Slow down, allow extra stopping distance and never assume a pile of leaves is covering nothing but pavement.

A little added caution can help keep a beautiful fall drive from becoming an unexpected accident.