Driving Safe: Increasing Visibility on the Road

One of the keys to driving safe is to make sure that you have enough visibility on the road. Whether you are driving in the sun, rain, pitch black night, in the fog, or snow, you should always make sure you have enough visibility no matter what the situation – and here is how:

RAIN OR SHINE
As  you know rain can drastically reduce your visibility so it is imperative that you make sure that your windshield wipers (both front and back) are properly maintained. Replace them at least every 6 months, and be on the lookout for rust on the arm, and cracks in the rubber blade. Also consider having your front and back windshields treated with rain repelling conditioner, and always make sure to keep your washer fluid filled.

GET SOME SHADES 
Blinding sun can be a major safety hazard – for you and everyone around you. Always keep a pair of sunglasses accessible for easy use. Also make sure that you don’t have any papers in your overhead visor so you can use it right away if needed, without causing an avalanche of papers to fall on your head!

KEEP YOUR HEADLIGHTS CLEAN  
Over time your headlight casings can get cloudy, and dulling the light that comes from your headlights. Be sure to check your vehicles handbook, or take them to your dealerships service department so they can remove and clean the plastic lamp housing (some of these can be tricky!) be sure to be super careful with the bulbs, the oil from your hands can reduce the effectiveness of the halogens, so use gloves if you have to (or have someone else do it, like I do!) The angle of the headlights also need to be checked, to make sure they are lighting up the proper area. You may have to locate the adjustment screw (check your manual to find out where they are) clockwise turns will raise the light, and counterclockwise will lower it.

BE PREPARED IN FOG 
Fog  can be a bit tricky – especially if you are driving on unfamiliar roads. Always be sure to use your fog lights, and that the bulbs are in working order. Fog lights are usually mounted low , in or below the front bumper. They are actually aimed at the ground in front of the vehicle as far as possible so that the beam of light can be wide and flat and help minimize reflection from the fog. Remember, if you can’t see and feel uncomfortable, put on your hazard lights and pull over until the fog passes.