Question:
What should we do as safe drivers in the wintertime?
Answer:
I’m going to break this down in to two segments since there are so many components to being a safe driver in the winter! First, we will address our vehicle, and next month we will discuss our driving skills.
OUR VEHICLE
When was the last time you checked your vehicle? I don’t mean mechanically – going for a tune-up or changing a spark plug – I mean simple checks that we can all do. Here are some very easy checks that anyone can perform on their own vehicle to help keep our roads safe.
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Check your headlights. Are they both working? Be sure to also check your daytime running lights if your car is equipped with this option. If you are on your own when performing this check, you can park by any reflective surface that will reflect your headlights back at you so you can see if they are working.
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Check your tail lights. Do they both come on when you turn on the headlights? Also keep in mind during the darker winter days that if your headlights are not on, neither are your taillights. Sometimes on dreary or misty days it is wise to override the automatic headlights and manually turn them on to ensure your taillights are also on, making you more visible to those behind you.
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Check your brake lights. Push the brake pedal in your car to see if all 3 lights on the back of your vehicle illuminate. If you do not have someone you can do this with, you can park next to a store or other large windows or doors and look in your rear-view mirror as you press the brake pedal to see if all the lights are working.
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Check your indicators. Are all 4 indicators working? Make sure both front and rear indicators work, don’t just check one and assume the other is as well. Be sure to check your hazard lights as well!!! Should you need to stop at the side of a road, you want to be sure your hazard lights are working properly so everyone can see you!!
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Check your horn. When was the last time you had to use your horn? If it’s been a while, test it when doing the other checks to ensure it is functioning properly. The horn is a great tool to alert others on the roads to danger, especially in dark or slippery conditions.
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Check your wiper blades. Make sure you are using good quality wiper blades, especially in the winter. Wiper blades should clean the windshield properly with each pass without leaving smears, which can greatly reduce visibility. This is further amplified when driving in the dark with oncoming vehicle lights reflecting on your windshield. Be sure to frequently top up your windshield washer fluid! Dirt and salt kicked up by the vehicles around you can be very hazardous if you are not able to properly clean your windshield, so always make sure your washer fluid is topped up!
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Check all your fluids. Make sure that all your fluids (brake, steering, anti-freeze, etc.) are topped up regularly. You will want all components of your vehicle functioning at their very best in the wintertime so more frequent top-ups may be required.
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Check your tire tread. Good tread on tires is especially important in wet and cool weather!! Ensure you are using the proper tires with a good tread to maximize grip and control on the roads. Using tires with low tread will increase your chances of skidding or losing control.
We can be safer drivers if we have a safe vehicle to drive! Remember that during the darker months it is especially important that everyone else on the roads can see you and what you plan to do!
SAFE VEHICLE = SAFER DRIVER!
