A pile of leaves along the curb may look harmless. But it can hide a child from a driver’s view, put children in the path of collection equipment, or ignite beneath a parked vehicle.

With leaf piles lining neighborhood streets, parents and drivers should keep two important safety reminders in mind: never park on dry leaves, and never allow children to play or hide in piles near the roadway.

Don’t Park Over Dry Leaves

A vehicle’s hot exhaust system, including its catalytic converter, can ignite dry leaves underneath it. Turning off the engine does not immediately remove the danger, since those parts remain hot after the vehicle has been driven.

Drivers should choose a clear parking spot rather than pull onto a leaf pile, even for a short stop. Do not drive through piles, either.

The danger is not theoretical.

Leaf Piles Are Not A Hiding Place

Children should never play, jump or hide in piles along the street or in leaves set out for collection. A child crouching or lying beneath the leaves may be impossible for an approaching driver to see.

Cars and trucks can drive over a pile without realizing someone is inside. Collection crews also work with large trucks, vacuum hoses and other equipment. Keep children well away from the piles and the work area when crews arrive.

Parents should explain the danger before children go outside, rather than assume they know to move when a truck approaches. If children want to play in leaves, make a separate pile well inside the yard, away from traffic, driveways and collection activity, and supervise them.

A Reminder For Drivers

Slow down near leaf piles and collection crews. Never assume a pile is empty, and do not drive into it to scatter the leaves. Check carefully before pulling into or backing out of a parking space or driveway.

Taking another moment to find a safe parking spot, or to remind a child to stay away from a roadside pile, can prevent a tragedy.