“Have people forgotten how to drive in the rain? It’s a phrase you may have muttered to yourself during the first downpour in a while and there may be some truth to it.

After a long period of dry weather, oil and debris can build up on roads, making them slippery. Light rain can be particularly slippery because it does not penetrate through oils and instead forms a film on the surface.

At this time of year we also have slippery conditions because of all the fallen leaves. They can be as slippery as ice when wet! This is because the leaves are hydrophobic, meaning they naturally repel water. When on trees, this adaptation directs water to the ground and prevents mold and fungus!

But on the ground, this makes them slippery. It’s a good idea to leave the leaves, as decaying leaves are great for your shrubs, but be sure to rake them into your flowerbeds so they don’t end up in the street.

Slipping, tripping or falling is the second leading cause of accidental death, so be careful.