Safety distance first: Safe driving in autumn
Autumn offers special weather conditions – and sometimes from one moment to the next: drizzle, fog or even the early onset of dusk cause poor visibility. Caution, prudent driving and a sufficient safety distance are the be-all and end-all to avoid accidents. Because there are a few dangers lurking on autumnal roads:

- Hidden dangers: Wet leaves and slippery soil can cover potholes or stones - and easily cause the car to skid. Leaves can also fall into the ventilation shaft in front of the windscreen. The result: the ventilation goes on strike or does not work properly - and the windows fog up.
- Slippery roads: In some regions, the first frost often occurs as early as October, and even snowfall is possible — such as in September 2024 in Austria. Especially at higher altitudes, it therefore makes sense to put on winter tyres early or pack snow socks as a precaution. They take up hardly any space, can be wound up quickly if necessary and ensure a safe journey.
- Poor visibility: Due to the diffuse light in autumn, the early onset of twilight or fog, the lighting of the car is essential for survival, especially at this time of year. The daytime running lights are not sufficient in poor visibility, it is advisable to drive with dipped headlights. And don't forget: fog lights may only be used when visibility is below 50 meters.
- Other road users: At dusk and in fog, other road users are often recognized later. This is especially true for cyclists and pedestrians - especially if they are not dressed appropriately for the weather. Therefore, adjust your own pace to the weather.
- Wildlife: The roebuck – and not only he – is looking for a bride. And then he is particularly careless: he crosses roads that he would otherwise rather avoid. To reduce the risk of accidents, you should take warning signs about wildlife crossing on the roads seriously.
- Wind: Autumn usually brings a lot of wind and storms, so it is advisable to expect gusts — especially on bridges, aisles and open spaces. Therefore, keep both hands on the steering wheel as much as possible and do not drive too fast. And: It's best not to park your car under trees: Trees plagued by storms also lose thick branches...

The right safety distance
In order to reduce the risk of accidents, a sufficient distance is not only recommended, but even required according to paragraph 4 of the Road Traffic Act. However, there is no concrete information on the minimum distance there. However, there are some rules of thumb that you can use as a guide:
- Within built-up areas: Here, common orientation aids are either 3 car lengths or 1 second distance — i.e. as much distance as you cover in 1 second at the current pace. At 50 km/h, this corresponds to about 15 meters.
- Outside built-up areas: You are faster on country roads or motorways and therefore have to keep a greater distance. According to recommendations, this should be either 2 seconds or half the speed (1/2 speedometer). At 100 km/h, that would be about 50 meters. The crash barriers at the side of the road, which are always 50 meters apart, are helpful.

Too little safety distance will be expensive
A safety distance that is too small can therefore be very dangerous — and will be severely punished according to the catalogue of fines: How expensive a distance violation will be depends on the speed and the actual distance:
- If you drive between 80 and 100 km/h, the fine is between 103.50 euros and 348.50 euros fine plus 1 point in Flensburg.
- Anyone who drives between 101 and 130 km/h must expect a fine of between 103.50 euros and 348.50 euros, 1 to 2 points and, if necessary, a driving ban of up to 3 months.
- For a speed above 130 km/h, you can expect a fine of between 128.50 euros and 428.50 euros, as well as 1 to 2 points in Flensburg and, if necessary, a driving ban of up to 3 months
Result:
Autumn is a wonderful season – and a challenge for drivers. But if you drive carefully and prudently, pay attention to the safety distance and the condition of the vehicle and keep an eye on the weather, you will reach your destination safely - and thus protect not only the vehicle and health, but also your wallet.
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